Sofia, Bulgaria – After an unexpected defeat against Serbia on Saturday, it was a do-or-die situation for the Belgian team. They needed to win against host country Bulgaria to avoid possible relegation to WM18IIIa.
A significant mental boost was necessary, as the previous day's loss weighed heavily on the team's spirits. A positive intervention from the coaching staff just before lunch provided a crucial turning point, making the team feel fully prepared to face this final challenge.
As a result, the Belgians approached the face-off of the last game of the tournament with great conviction and determination. From the very first face-off, Belgium dominated the game.
Similar to previous games, the Belgians had to overcome a series of penalties, which initially held them back. Lucas Pallen (#5) opened the scoring with his first goal in an IIHF tournament, followed by Toon Geenen, who delivered an outstanding performance throughout the entire tournament. Bulgaria scored their first and only goal of the game just before the break.
In the second period, the penalty box remained conspicuously empty, and Belgium went all out, scoring four additional goals by Pallen, Van de Brande, Gommeren, and Gregory.
By the final break, it was clear that this game would not slip away. Robbe Delport and Gregory Finn each scored another goal, setting the final score at 1-8. A few late penalties did not change the outcome.
Given the close competition among all teams in the tournament, Belgium's position in the rankings could have shifted dramatically on the last day. Ultimately, Belgium finished a strong fourth, tied in points with Chinese Taipei, who flew home with the bronze medal. Since Belgium lost the head-to-head match in overtime, Taipei edged just ahead of them.
Mitya Monseurs proudly represented Belgium at the awards ceremony, winning the Best Defenseman of the tournament, following in the footsteps of Dillen Berckx from the previous year.
MVP: Lucas Pallen
Best Player of the Tournament for Belgium: Toon Geenen