DUMFRIES, GREAT BRITAIN – In an exhilarating finale to the IIHF Men’s World U20 Championship Division IIA, Korea’s U20 hockey team, led by the stellar performance of Kim Sihwan, clinched gold and secured promotion. Their triumph came in a nail-biting gold-medal showdown against Great Britain, held in Dumfries, where Korea maintained a perfect record through five games.
The spotlight was on 19-year-old center Kim Sihwan, who delivered a match-defining hat-trick. Sihwan, one of the most experienced players on the Korean roster, has previously showcased his skills in the senior international division. His experience on British ice proved invaluable, helping him guide his team to a hard-earned victory. Reflecting on his performance, Kim credited his earlier senior international experience for his impressive play, noting, “That was a really good experience for me… I think that’s part of why I played well here. We came here to win promotion, and as a team, that’s what we did.”
The gold-medal game began with Kim opening the scoring, demonstrating his sharp instincts and skill. The match then evolved into a tense duel between Kim and GB’s top scorer, Jack Hopkins. Despite trailing 3-1 at one point, Korea displayed remarkable resilience. Kim’s second goal early in the final period reignited Korea’s hopes, followed by a crucial power-play goal from defender Kong Yuchan to tie the game.In a dramatic turn of events, Kim completed his hat-trick with a clincher into an empty net, sealing Korea’s 3-1 comeback victory and their promotion.
While Korea celebrated their immediate return to Division IB after last season’s relegation, British head coach Martin Grubb expressed his disappointment, acknowledging the minor details that cost them the match. Despite the loss, he praised Korea’s performance, stating, “Korea’s a great team. All tournament they played fast, free-flowing hockey.”
Lithuania capitalized on Britain’s loss to claim silver, while Britain secured third place. Among individual achievements, Kim Sihwan emerged as the top scorer with 14 points, and Kong Yuchan was recognized as the most productive defender. Britain’s Ben Norton was lauded as the top goaltender, showcasing exceptional skill throughout the tournament.Korea’s victory at the IIHF Men’s World U20 Championship Division IIA marks a significant milestone for the team, showcasing their talent and determination. Under the guidance of young stars like Kim Sihwan, the future of Korean hockey looks bright and promising.
