The international break for November came and went. Every Polish team will be fighting for some lofty goals this year. Whether that is aiming to stay in their new division or hoping to take that next step in promotion. The international breaks allow us to see where the teams are. It is also a great chance to see who the junior teams consider the best young players in the country right now.
Men’s Senior Team – Independence Cup
Poland vs. Estonia – 7:3
Poland vs. Latvia U20 – 5:1
Poland vs. Lithuania – 5:1
The men’s senior team participated in the Independence Cup, which saw them face off with Estonia, Latvia U20, and Lithuania. To be honest, I was hoping for much better competition, given the task of the Elite Division World Championships at the end of the year. That was a sentiment echoed by some players on the national team as well. In the end, Poland was clearly ahead of their foes. Poland won all three games by four goals to take home the Independence Cup. Alan Lyszczarczyk led team Poland in points after recording four goals and four assists. The team has already announced their next exhibition matches for a tournament in Austria, where they will play Italy and then Austria or Hungary. In a final note for this tournament, Adam Kiedewicz returned to the Polish national team.
Women’s Senior Team – Exhibition Matches Versus Italy
Poland vs. Italy – 4:5 (OT)
Poland vs. Italy – 1:6
The women’s senior team got some international action, but this team has already played together all year in the European Women’s Hockey League (EWHL). In the EWHL, the team leads the league standings with an impressive 9-1 record. The first match was an even affair, which Italy took in overtime; things got out of hand in the second match. Italy is a strong opponent, but Poland has played them close at the IIHF level. This includes beating them last year after an outstanding performance by Sass in net that saw her post a 49-save shutout. Sass was not available at this tournament for Poland. The 6-1 loss is genuinely the first bump in the road this squad has faced all year. It is an excellent opportunity to see how they recover.
Men’s U20 Team – Four Nations Tournament
Poland U20 vs. HS Ryga – 4:1
Poland U20 vs. Lithuania U20 – 1-2 (OT)
Poland U20 vs. Estonia U20 – 3:2
Poland U20 got a good test in their baltic opponents. While Poland came in second, the gap was not a wide one. No number one goalie has broken through for Poland as Bach, Ciucka, and Tyczyński started a game. The scoring was spread out across Poland, with no one player taking the reigns offensively. The only match the offense had a disappointing showing was against Lithuania, where Poland fell in the shootout. This group is set to play in December at the Division 1 Group B U20 World Championships from the 11th to 17th in Slovenia. The initial call-ups for the team were released this past week as well and can be viewed here.
Men’s U18 Team – Three Nations Tournament
Poland U18 vs. Italy U17 – 2:0
Poland U18 vs. Hugnary U17 – 6:1
Poland U18 vs. Hungary U17 – 3:1
The Men’s U18 squad showed out in their tournament with some strong results versus good countries. Of course, the talent was cut for the opposing side at the U17 level, but when that happens, these are the results you want. All three goalies posted great performances, with Mateusz Majewski getting the 25-save shutout versus Italy. The team scored up and down the lineup in three appearances. The line of Matthew McGovern, Rafał Drabik, and Tsimafei Petrazhytski with an especially solid showing. Winning this tournament is an excellent sign for Gusov’s group.
Women’s U18 Team – Four Nations Tournament
Poland U18 vs. Great Britain U18 – 3:0
Poland U18 vs. Iceland U18 – 7:0
Poland U18 vs. Spain U18 – 4:1
What a tournament for the women’s U18 squad in Spain. They didn’t allow a goal until 38 minutes into the final game. It was an awe-inspiring effort by the entire team. For another insane statistic, they allowed only three shots versus Iceland. Poland was above their opponents at this event and played at that level. Matylda Stępień led the way for Poland with seven points (4G-3A-7PTS), while Jadwiga Jankowska added six points (3G-3A-3PTS). Both Alicja Kobiela and Alicja Hudziak posted shutouts at the event. This group will return to Spain in January from the 8th to the 14th for the Division 1 Group B U18 World Championships.
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