Ukraine's U18 Squad Stunned by Kazakh Comeback
Ukraine's national under-18 hockey team suffered a 5-3 defeat to Kazakhstan at the 2026 IIHF World U18 Championship Division I Group A. In a third-round match, the Ukrainian side squandered a commanding 3-0 lead, allowing their opponents to mount a full comeback and secure the victory. This tournament is a key proving ground for future Olympic and professional talent.
Ukraine began the game with strong offensive pressure, netting three goals. Artem Ratushnyak opened the scoring at 17:02 in the first period. This was quickly followed by two more goals: Svyatoslav Vasiak scored the second at 17:33, and Yaroslav Panasenko made it 3-0 at 24:53 in the second period. However, Kazakhstan soon began their fightback.
Kazakhstan's Dramatic Rally
Anufriyev scored Kazakhstan's first goal at 26:23 in the second period, sparking the team's resurgence. Kazakhstan then relentlessly pressured the Ukrainian defense:
- Kolenko scored the second goal at 37:31 in the second period;
- Gridasov tied the game at 47:13 in the third period;
- Reshetko put his team ahead with a goal at 56:40;
- Kravchenko sealed the final 5-3 score with an empty-net goal at 59:59.
The final match score was Ukraine 3 - Kazakhstan 5 (2:0, 1:2, 0:3). This marks the Ukrainian junior team's second loss in the tournament. Their next match is against Poland on April 23, 2026, at 20:30 Kyiv time. Ukraine had previously started the championship with a win over Slovenia.
This loss is a significant setback for the Ukrainian team, which failed to hold onto its strong early advantage. The squad must now address its defensive lapses and prepare for the crucial upcoming match against Poland, where earning points is vital for improving their standing in the tournament table. A successful result against the Polish team could prove decisive for Ukraine's progression in the world championship.
Despite the disappointing outcome against Kazakhstan, the Ukrainian U18 team had a strong start in the tournament with a victory over Slovenia. This initial win showcased their potential and resilience, setting a hopeful tone for their championship journey. To learn more about their opening match and key players, read our detailed coverage here.