Denmark, Austria, and China earned wins on day one of the IIHF Division 1A women's World Championships in Shenzhen, China.
Day one of the Division 1A World Championships are in the books in Shenzhen, China. On the opening day Denmark, Austria, and host China found themselves in the win column. Here's a look at how each game played out.
Skriver, Jacobson Power Denmark
Sofia Skriver scored a pair of goals, while captain Josephine Jakobsen had a goal and two assists to lead Denmark to a 6-1 win over Netherlands to open their 2023 Division 1A World Championships. Denmark was the most recent nation relegated from the top tier into D1A competition. Skriver is set to open her rookie season in the NCAA with Mercyhurst, while Jakobsen plays in the SDHL with Brynas. Silke Glud also contributed with a goal and an assist. Netherlands lone goal came from veteran Savine Wielenga.
Austria Shuts Out Norway
Anna Meixner, the SDHL's reigning MVP, scored a pair of goals to lead the attack for Austria in a 4-0 win over Norway. Selma Luggin who will play in the SDHL this season with Linköping HC turned aside all 31 shots she faced for the shutout win. Tamara Grascher and Lena Artner had the other Austrian goals. Austria is without star Theresa Schafzahl at the tournament, while Norway is without two-time World Championship Best Goalie Ena Nystrom.
China Wins In Front Of Large Home Crowd
6673 fans came to cheer on China in their opener against Slovakia on home ice. The home squad didn't disappoint earning a hard fought 1-0 shutout win.
Tia Chan, who plays NCAA hockey for Connecticut, made 27 saves in this shutout, while Minghui Kong scored the lone Chinese goal. China peppered Slovakia's Andrea Risianova with 46 shots.