The December national team break was the biggest challenge for the men’s senior squad this year. Playing Italy and Austria was a great way to test the depth of the squad. Was beating Italy last year a fluke, or is Poland ready for their promotion to the Elite division. The red and white had played so well down the stretch from pre-Worlds exhibitions to the World Championship itself. In 2024 so far, we have only seen them taking on weaker senior competition from the Baltics.

Poland played in the Österreich Cup this week with a strong roster for solid competition. Outside a few players, Poland had their group that is likely going to Czechia. Despite a slow start in the first period, Poland controlled Italy again in the first game. They disposed of Mike Keennan’s Olympic-bound group in a 3-1 victory. John Murray was the starter in net, while captain Dziubiński led the team offensively, scoring an empty net goal and assisting on the game-winner. This win over Italy sent Poland to take on Austria, who had beaten Hungary, for a chance at the Österreich Cup.

This game versus Austria was also the debut of Tomáš Fučík for the Polish national team. The Czechia-born goalie has acquired Polish citizenship and played in Poland for six years, making him eligible for import status. He should provide Poland with some good depth in net and be stop gate until Miarka or another young player is ready to take over. In this game, he would prove his value with an outstanding debut. Poland and Austria both remained scoreless after sixty minutes. The game would go to three-on-three overtime. There, New Jersey Devils prospects and SC Bern forward, Benjamin Baumgartner would score to end it. While the loss is disappointing, taking Austria to overtime is a great game by Poland. Fučík stopped 27 shots in his debut, which was close to shutout. For Poland, not scoring is disappointing, but they generated plenty of high-danger chances. Shots were only 28-20 for Austria. Poland did an excellent job suppressing chances while generating a few. While Austria was the slightly better team, Poland was in this game.

For Kalaber’s staff, this tournament is another sign that they have Poland in the right place. Young and veteran players look comfortable in the system and are playing hard. Poland will play in the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Elite division from May 10th to the 26th. We are still awaiting confirmation on who the national team will face off against next in the lead-up.

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