Shen Jialei (R) of China vies with Marko Sakic of Croatia during the Ice Hockey World Championship Division II Group A match between China and Croatia at Velesajam Ice Rink in Zagreb, Croatia, on April 29, 2022. (Luka Stanzl/PIXSELL via Xinhua)
ZAGREB, April 29 (Xinhua) -- China secured a spot of Division 1 after beating hosts Croatia 5-1 here on Friday to top the Division 2 Group A one round early during the 2022 Ice Hockey Men's World Championship.
Before the game, China showed a high competitiveness, sweeping the Netherlands and Israel, while Croatia, also having good momentum, grabbed two consecutive wins, too.
After a goalless first period, China's Shen Jialei broke the deadlock with a shot in the fifth minute into the second period. Four minutes later, Jian An gave a middle range shot before forward Fu Shuai scored twice to put China ahead 4-0.
Four minutes into the third period, defender Jieke Kailiaosi stretched the lead to 5-0 before Croatia's Bruno Ficur pulled a goal back.
As the sole team with three victories from as many games, China claimed the Division 2 Group A title before its last game against Spain on Saturday and made sure of returning to Division 1 after a 15-year absence. ■
Goalkeepr Ouban Yongli of China reacts during the Ice Hockey World Championship Division II Group A match between China and Croatia at Velesajam Ice Rink in Zagreb, Croatia, on April 29, 2022. (Luka Stanzl/PIXSELL via Xinhua)
Zheng Enlai (R) of China controls the puck during the Ice Hockey World Championship Division II Group A match between China and Croatia at Velesajam Ice Rink in Zagreb, Croatia, on April 29, 2022. (Luka Stanzl/PIXSELL via Xinhua)
Wang Taile (L) of China vies with Karlo Marinkovic of Croatia during the Ice Hockey World Championship Division II Group A match between China and Croatia at Velesajam Ice Rink in Zagreb, Croatia, on April 29, 2022. (Luka Stanzl/PIXSELL via Xinhua)
Jian An (R) of China vies with Vito Idzan of Croatia during the Ice Hockey World Championship Division II Group A match between China and Croatia at Velesajam Ice Rink in Zagreb, Croatia, on April 29, 2022. (Luka Stanzl/PIXSELL via Xinhua)
Zhong Wei (front) of China controls the puck during the Ice Hockey World Championship Division II Group A match between China and Croatia at Velesajam Ice Rink in Zagreb, Croatia, on April 29, 2022. (Luka Stanzl/PIXSELL via Xinhua)
