The U18 Women's Ice Hockey World Championship Division IIB saw a though matchup between Turkey and Belgium, delivering a game full of determination and grit from both teams.
The first period was a display of defensive strength from both sides, ending in a 0-0 scoreline. Belgium's defense held firm against Turkey's aggressive attacks..
However, the game took a decisive turn in the second period. At 5:27, Turkey finally found the back of the net, breaking the deadlock. Just 1:30 later, Turkey struck again, doubling their lead and putting Belgium on the back foot. Despite the setback, the Belgian team showed remarkable composure, regrouping and fighting hard for the remainder of the period to keep the scoreline steady.
Entering the third period with a 2-0 deficit, Belgium faced an uphill battle. Five minutes into the final period, Turkey extended their lead to 3-0. Yet, the Belgian team remained undeterred, creating a few scoring opportunities and pushing to salvage their honor. Their persistence and determination were evident, but Turkey's defense held strong. In the closing minutes of the game, Turkey secured their dominance with a fourth and final goal, sealing a 4-0 victory.
Belgium's head coach Tim Vos and assistant coach Femke Bosmans reflected on the team's effort after the game, stating, "We gave it our all and fought until the very end, but today the other team was simply stronger. Proud of our effort and determination. On to the next game!"
Despite the loss, Belgium's standout player was undoubtedly #25, goalie Anouk Belmans. She delivered a strong performance, making numerous critical saves.