Ukraine's U18 Hockey Team Crushes Poland, Secures Place in Division IA

Ukraine U18 Triumphs at the 2026 World Championship

According to Главком: Ukraine's under-18 hockey squad earned a decisive 6-3 victory over Poland at the 2026 IIHF World Championship Division IA. This win guaranteed the team's survival in the division, bringing their total to 6 points after four games. Despite the strong result, Ukraine cannot contend for promotion, trailing the tournament leader, Switzerland, by 6 points.

A standout moment came from player Danylo Olifirchuk, who scored a hat trick, helping his team cement their lead in the final period. In their previous match, Ukraine suffered a tough 3-5 loss to Kazakhstan after holding a 3-0 lead, a disappointing turn of events for the squad.

Final Match and Standings

One round remains in the championship, with Ukraine set to face Switzerland on April 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM Kyiv time. Currently, the team sits third in the standings with 6 points from four games.

The tournament table is as follows:

• 1. Switzerland - 12 points, 4 games (24:6)
• 2. Kazakhstan - 9 points, 4 games (22:10)
• 3. Ukraine - 6 points, 4 games (17:16)
• 4. Slovenia - 3 points, 4 games (12:20)
• 5. Hungary - 3 points, 4 games (11:19)
• 6. Poland - 3 points, 4 games (10:25)

Beating Poland was a key achievement for the Ukrainian team, as it locked in their spot in Division IA for next year, even though their chances of moving up remain slim. In the final match against first-place Switzerland, Ukraine will have a chance to showcase their strength and end the tournament on a high note, regardless of the results already secured. A key goal for the team will be not only to retain their place but also to elevate their level of play for future competitions.

While the victory over Poland solidified Ukraine's position in Division IA, the team's earlier match against Kazakhstan revealed vulnerabilities, as they squandered a commanding three-goal lead. To understand the challenges faced by the squad leading up to this crucial win, read more about their disappointing loss to Kazakhstan and how it shaped their approach in the tournament.