WC: Division 1B 2025., Tallin 26.04 - 2.05.

[MACRUIC]

Estonia 5-2 China (1-1, 4-0, 0-1)

 

[MACRUIC]

There was only one China - Spain match - it finished 8-4 (the same one that was likely 7-4).

 

[Sanf]

There was only one China - Spain match - it finished 8-4 (the same one that was likely 7-4).

Aah ok.. I misunderstood. Thought those were two different games.

 

[tornaado66]

Estonia's first line today was Burkov-Rooba-Timofejev. Super fun to watch, but no points today from them other than 1 Rooba penalty shot goal.

 

[SoundAndFury]

Isn't it a bit bizarre that there were so many friendlies between teams that will play against each other just a few days later in World championship?

Isn't the NHL pre-season bizarre by the same token? It just makes the most sense.

 

[MACRUIC]

Croatia the only team that chose not to come to Estonia early and get some local ice time - it's tough to call between Spain and Croatia at the moment for the relegation place. As for promotion, the warm up matches have shown that Estonia, Lithuania and South Korea seem pretty evenly matched, but I think the Koreans might have a little bit more to offer once the tournament starts.

 

[fico zg]

Katic

Declined, since he needs to heal his shoulder that bugs him. Too bad, he is our best transitional defender

 

[SoundAndFury]

As for promotion, the warm up matches have shown that Estonia, Lithuania and South Korea seem pretty evenly matched, but I think the Koreans might have a little bit more to offer once the tournament starts.

Korea couldn't beat us thrice we played each other in 1A in 2019, 2022 and 2023. They got one win in theory because we pulled the goalie with the game tied 1-1 needing a regulation win and they scored an ENG. So our "real" recent record against them is 2 wins and a draw. And that was with Dalton still in goal so I actually think they are the weakest team of the three. Their forwards are great but defense and especially goaltending are flat out poor for this level.

Of course, all 3 teams are still very close. Like our record against Estonia is perfect altogether but it doesn't count for much.

 

[Mrzli]

No Katić for Croatia is a big blow.

I'm not that optimistic for staying up this year.

 

[fico zg]

Vukadin missing is also a big blow, especially since Katic is not here. He is a good PMD and very good skater. Alongside B.Idžan we are missing three players who would excelled in counter-attacks since it is to expect that we will be on defensive side in most of the games.

I see this year as (semi)transitional one. We must hope Sisak is going to professionalize next wave of croatian players and by this time next year we will have mostly pro NT.

 

[SoundAndFury]

Our top 2 goalies - Armalis and Faustas Nauseda - are out and needless to say an enormous blow to our chances to achieve anything of note. Easily makes this the worst Lithuanian NT since I don't even remember when. The last 10 years easily.

 

[ozo]

Our top 2 goalies - Armalis and Faustas Nauseda - are out and needless to say an enormous blow to our chances to achieve anything of note. Easily makes this the worst Lithuanian NT since I don't even remember when. The last 10 years easily.

Lubys redemption arc?

 

[Sanf]

No Katić for Croatia is a big blow.

I'm not that optimistic for staying up this year.

I remember seeing Hrvoje Zovko few years ago and was expecting him to be WCH player in few years. Tin Alic was on that same team, but was far less impressed about him. Few years can make difference.

 

[Sanf]

Vukadin missing is also a big blow, especially since Katic is not here. He is a good PMD and very good skater. Alongside B.Idžan we are missing three players who would excelled in counter-attacks since it is to expect that we will be on defensive side in most of the games.

I see this year as (semi)transitional one. We must hope Sisak is going to professionalize next wave of croatian players and by this time next year we will have mostly pro NT.

I´m asking because I don´t know, but are the local players in Sisak full time pros. Because I´m doubtful, but not that familiar with the league.

Just recently read interview of Teppo Kivelä (Head) and Jorma Valtonen (Goaltending) of Gherdina told that Italians of the team either work or study along with hockey.

 

[fico zg]

I´m asking because I don´t know, but are the local players in Sisak full time pros. Because I´m doubtful, but not that familiar with the league.

Some of them are studying part-time/online (don't know proper word in English), but all of Alps regulars are full-time pro. Defender Patrik Dobrić confirmed that in interview for croatian TV.

 

[SoundAndFury]

Lubys redemption arc?

Crazy to think I trusted him so much more as a 19-year-old at the 1A level than I do now. Hopefully, the guy isn't completely washed. It's just unfortunate that this happens in a year when there is no "strong" team, so to speak, in the division.