Victory Over Lithuania and Prospects for the 2026 World Championship
Oleh Shafarenko, head coach of the Ukrainian men's national hockey team, weighed in on the squad's chances at the 2026 World Championship following a crucial 2-1 win against Lithuania. This match carried high stakes for Ukraine, as it came after a loss to Poland at the tournament's start—making it essential for the team to secure points to avoid relegation from the division. The World Championship serves as a key event for emerging hockey nations, and Ukraine is fighting to stay competitive on the international stage.
'The goal was at least to avoid dropping out of the division, so the game against Lithuania was decisive. We had to win, regardless of the score. 2-1 is fine—the guys closed out the game, and that's good.' - Oleh Shafarenko
Ukraine's next match is scheduled for May 5 at 5:00 PM Kyiv time, with France as the opponent—a team that competed in the elite division last season. Shafarenko noted that France had a rough start to the tournament but managed to turn things around in their second game against Poland.
'As for France, they started off tough. Their first game was difficult, and in the second round, Poland played quite well against them. But the French turned the game around and took control in the third period.' - Oleh Shafarenko
2026 World Championship Division IA Standings
The current standings as of May 5 are as follows:
- 1. Kazakhstan - 6 points (2 matches)
- 2. France - 3 (1)
- 3. Poland - 3 (1)
- 4. Ukraine - 3 (2)
- 5. Lithuania - 0 (2)
- 6. Japan - 0 (2)
Shafarenko also stressed that facing France will be challenging, but the team must focus on winning. 'It will be tough, but we need to prepare and take to the ice with the sole aim of victory,' he added. In the match against Lithuania, goals for Ukraine were scored by Trakht and Denyskin.
The win over Lithuania was critical for Ukraine, keeping their hopes alive of remaining in the division. The upcoming clash with France is set to be a defining moment, as a victory would solidify Ukraine's position in the standings. Acknowledging the difficulties ahead, the coach emphasizes the need for a winning mindset, reflecting a serious approach to the upcoming game. Given France's improving performance, Ukraine will have to bring their full strength and strategic play to this pivotal encounter.
As the Ukrainian team gears up for their next challenge, it's essential to reflect on their earlier preparations. The squad recently completed their training ahead of the tournament, which included a pivotal match against Poland. This encounter set the stage for their current performance and strategy. For more insights into their training and the buildup to the championship, read about how the team prepared for their opening game against Poland here.