A day before the group round came to a close at the 2024 World Championship, both relegation spots to Division IA in 2024 were confirmed, with Great Britain and Poland, who both gained promotion to Czechia just last year, will head back down to Division IA next season.

In Group A, the heroics of Austria, paired with the unexpected poor performances of Norway and Denmark, led to an unexpected start at the bottom of the table, but it was the Lions who would have a rapid return back to Division IA, failing to notch a single point in their first six games, being outscored 28-8, being formally eliminated by a 5-2 loss to Norway with still a game to go against Austria tomorrow. The unbelievable 2019 comeback against France were unfortunately not to be repeated again in Prague, and Norway avoids relegation for the first time since 2005.

In Group B, despite Kazakhstan and Poland offering thrills on their opening day, defeating France and forcing Latvia to overtime, respectively, these two struggled the rest of the way, losing each of their next five games. Their showdown in Ostrava was for the chance to stay on top, with Poland needing a regulation win to stay atop for consecutive years for the first time since 1976. While it was a solid battle, staying at 1-1 through the first forty minutes, the game fell apart for the Orły in the third period, conceding two quick goals to Kazakhstan, who shut the door for a 3-1 victory. Kazakhstan locked up their fifth straight appearance in the Top Division, the longest streak in their history.

In Great Britain and Poland’s place next year will be Hungary and Slovenia, returning to the Top Division after just a year in Division IA. Next year’s Division IA will be made up of Great Britain and Poland, newly-promoted Ukraine, Italy, Japan and Romania, in a host nation to be named at the upcoming IIHF Congress. With Hungary and Slovenia now locked in for 2024, and a new unique group in Division IA fighting for those two coveted spots, next year’s tournaments should provide some exciting surprises!

Photo Credit: IIHF Worlds 2024 – IIHF Worlds 2024 – IIHF – HHOF – IOC