World Ice Hockey Championship: Ukraine Claims First Victory.

The Ukrainian national hockey team achieved its first victory at the 2025 World Championship in Division IA, defeating Italy in a shootout.

In its first season in Division IA in eight years, Ukraine started with a loss in overtime to Great Britain (3:4) and subsequently placed fourth after the first round.

In the second round, the Ukrainian team faced the team that defeated them in the first match - Italy. The last Time these teams met in an official match was in 2015, when the Italians won in overtime at the World Championship.

Match Progress: Ukraine - Italy

The Ukrainian team opened the scoring in the match: in the 15th minute of the first period, Andriy Denyskin scored a goal assisted by Yevhen Fadiyev.

In the middle of the second period, Gregori Di Tommaso equalized after a pass from Dustin Gezli. However, by the end of the period, Ukraine managed to take the lead again: Viktor Zakharov scored assisted by Denyskin.

At the beginning of the third period, Luka Zanatta restored parity for Italy and sent the game into overtime - 2:2. During overtime, Mikel Friklund failed to break through the Ukrainian goalpost.

As a result, neither team scored during the game, and the match went to a shootout, in which the Ukrainian team was better.

Match Result: Italy - Ukraine 2:3 (0:1, 1:1, 1:0, 0:0 OT, 0:1 SO)

It should be noted that the Ukrainian national hockey team began its performances in Division IA of the 2025 World Championship with a loss in a shootout to Great Britain. The 'Blue-Yellows' returned to Division IA for the first time since 2017 after they ceremoniously topped Group IB last year.

The Ukrainian national hockey team managed to secure its first victory at the 2025 World Championship in Division IA after a shootout against Italy. This result enhances the team's chances for further success in the tournament. This victory is significant for Ukraine, which returns to this division after a long break. The team demonstrated strength and a will to win and will continue to fight for top positions in the tournament.