Photo Source: HockeySlovakia.sk

The women’s junior squad played their final tournament of the year in Slovakia. The U16 team participated in the European Girls Trophy tournament alongside Austria, Czechia U15, France, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia. Slovakia split their players into two squads to have an even tournament in two groups of four. This was an excellent chance for Poland to test out the U16 players for next season against other top junior players. We would also see the international debut of Polish hockey prodigy Malgorzata Zakrzewska. She and goalie Justyna Koszyk would miss the beginning of camp and the tournament due to attending a North American college and junior try-out. 

Results

4/22/2024: Poland vs. Germany: 0-2 L

Goals: NA

Goalie: Dominika Panol 2GA (Shot Numbers Not Posted)

4/23/2024: Poland at Czechia U15: 0-6 L

Goals: NA

Goalie: Dominika Panol 18/24 SVS 6 GA

4/25/2025: Poland vs. France: 1-3 L

Goals: Weronika Świątek (6:59)

Goalie: Justyna Koszyk 17/19 SVS 2 GA

4/26/2024: (For 7th Place) Poland at Slovakia Blue: 7-0 W

Goals: Natalia Wanczuk (2:24), Malgorzata Zakrzewska (16:06, 43:12), Agata Cybulska (19:13), Matylda Stepien (20:54), Lena Kabelis-Szostakowska (33:49), Karolina Gawandtka (41:03)

Goalie: Justyna Koszyk 13/13 SVS 0 GA

While a seventh-place finish is disappointing on paper, it is the expected result. At the U18 level, Poland plays in Division 1 Group B, while every other team in this tournament plays in Group A or the Elite Division. Poland kept it close versus Germany in a strong effort. The Czechia U15 loss was expected. The Zzech U15 squad is even still a hurdle when Poland U18 plays them. Dominika Panol deserves a lot of credit for playing well in those matches. The game against France was very even, with a 19-17 shot difference in favor of the victor. Justyna Koszyk had a nice tournament after arriving late. Zakrzewska proved the hype was real against Slovakia with a four-point performance. Matylda Stepien also had a great tournament and led Poland with three assists. Her season in Canada has really aided her development. Overall, it was a strong showing for Poland, despite the standings. This gives me plenty of hope for next year’s U18 squad.

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