In the final day of competition at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship, the final two Group B matchups dictated which teams would be relegated to Division IA in 2024, with Hungary and France drawing the unfortunate distinction.

Hungary, which only had one victory (over France) at the tournament in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, and France, who had no victories in the tournament, were relegated by way of 2-1 and 8-2 losses to Germany and Sweden, respectively. The Magyars, who made the Top Division for the first time in 2019 and was able to stay up for three tournaments thanks to no relegation due to COVID-19, is sent back down, while Les Bleus, promoted to the Top Division for the second time in 2022, will return next season.

Normally their replacements would be known by now, but due to COVID-19 delays in the home city hosting Division IA this year, Shenzhen, China, the tournament will now not be held until August to determine who will replace France and Hungary next season. Hosts China will compete against last year’s relegated team, Denmark, along with Austria, Netherlands, Norway and Slovakia, to see who will head to the United States to join Group B.

Photo Credit: 2023 Women’s World Championship – IIHF – HHOF – IOC