Austria Proud To Stay In Top Division: "Our Team Spirit Has Always Been Our Greatest Strength"

Austria had high goals entering the 2026 IIHF women's World Championships. While they didn't reach the quarterfinals in their first ever trip to the top division, they did manage to beat Japan to save themselves from relegation to secure another chance at the top division.

"My first feeling is relief; I'm very happy that we're staying in the top division," said head coach Alexander Bröms in a translated statement.

Captain Anna Meixner scored in regulation, and again in overtime to lift Austria 2-1 over Japan. Austria also got strong performances from Seattle Torrent forward Theresa Schfzahl and defender Annika Fazokas.

Meixner, a former Vancouver Goldeneyes and Ottawa Charge forward led Austria in scoring with five points in five games. For Meixner, it was a mix of shock and pride to earn the all important win.

"I think I need a shot of schnapps to calm my nerves. I'm incredibly proud that we were able to win today," said Meixner following the game. "It's such an important step for women's ice hockey in Austria that we'll remain in the top league for another year. It was an absolute team effort, also from the entire staff; we felt incredibly well looked after. This was certainly one of the best weeks of my life. And without Selma, we wouldn't be where we are now."

The "Selma" Meixner was referring to was netminder Selma Luggin. Luggin had the fourth best save percentage in the tournament at .951 behind only Ann-Renee Desbiens, Aerin Frankel, and Gwyneth Philips.

"It feels great. We had hoped to reach the quarterfinals, but staying in the top division was always our minimum goal. We achieved that," said Luggin. "Japan played very differently than we are used to, but we held our own and took advantage of our chances. Our team spirit has always been our greatest strength; we were able to rely on that in the most important moments."

Japan will be relegated to the IIHF World Championships Division 1A, while Austria will be joined in the top division by France, who won promotion at the 2026 Division 1A tournament in April.