Hungary, Germany, and Italy remain undefeated and in contention for promotion at the U-18 Division 1A World Championships.
While the top division of the U-18 World Championships continues in Finland, the Division 1A U-18 World Championships are underway in Budapest, Hungary.
The six teams competing are vying for promotion to the top division for 2026, but after two days of competition only three teams look like they'll have that chance. Germany, Hungary, and Italy remain undefeated while Norway, Austria, and France have yet to win a game.
Germany, the team that was relegated from the top division last year trading places with Japan, beat Norway 4-2 and Austria 4-1 despite being outshot in both games.
Last year's runner up, Italy, beat Austria 4-3 and France 3-1 to open their tournament. Penn State commit Matilde Fantin and teammate Manuela Heidenberger are tied for the tournament lead in scoring.
Réka Hiezl has been Hungary's best player as a 15-year-old recording four points in wins over France (3-1) and Norway (3-0).
Unlike the top division, the Division 1A tournament is decided by the outcome of the five game round robin for each team.