In one of the bigger games on Thursday at the IIHF Women’s World Championship, Sweden looks to lock in a spot in the quarterfinals when they take on Hungary.
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After a brief spell in Division IA, the Hungarians are back in the top division at the Women’s Worlds. However, it will be tough sledding for the team to avoid relegation, even though this team earned a reputation as being a sneaky team during its first stint in the top tier.
On the back end, there is some respectable talent. Toronto-born Taylor Baker started the year with the New York Sirens but ended up signing a contract with Brynäs after appearing in just three games. The former Force de Montreal defender has played for Hungary in the last three world championship seasons.
Fanni Garat-Gasparics is hoping to be an impact player after not playing for Hungary at the DIA Worlds last year. One of the top players from the 2021 edition of the tournament, the former PWHL Ottawa member played with Baker at Brynäs this past season, the team she signed with late in the 2023-24 campaign.
Starting things off on Wednesday, many were excited for a clash between Sweden and Germany, the two favorites in Group B. While the Swedes carried the play for most of the game, the Germans only trailed 2-1 heading into the third.
Yet, Damkronorna had two quick strikes from Anna Kjellbin and Thea Johansson, giving the team enough of a cushion, leading to a 4-2 win.
IIHF WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Hungary (0-0-0) vs. Sweden (1-0-0)
When: Thursday, April 10
Time: 9 a.m. ET
Where: Budvar Arena (České Budějovice, Czechia)
Channel: NHL Network
Stream: FuboTV (Free Trial), Sling, DirecTV Stream
Check out the WWC schedule and results on IIHF.com