Ukraine's men's national team returned to competition for the first time since the invasion by Russia, facing off against Hungary in a close contest.
What a moment.
For the first time since the Russian invasion began in February, Ukraine's men's national team hit the ice for a pre-World Championship exhibition game against Hungary.
Hungary ultimately won the game 3-1, but they play in a higher division, so the result was expected. After the team gave up a goal in the first, Dmitri Nimenko became the first player to score for Ukraine in 2022, a happy moment for a team and a country facing cruel hardships.
Ukraine will play in the Division IB tournament, the first time the event has happened since 2019 due to COVID-19. The IB tournament takes place in Poland from April 26 to May 1, while Hungary will begin its Division IA tournament two days after.
Ukraine's U-18 men's hockey team will begin play at the Division IB tournament as well on April 25.
To watch the game in full, click below: