Dunedin, New Zealand – April 14, 2025 3AM
The Belgian national women’s ice hockey team opened their 2025 IIHF World Championship Division IIB campaign in commanding fashion, defeating Hong Kong 6-2 in their first game held in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Despite some hiccups in the livestream for fans watching from home — which the IIHF has since confirmed have been resolved — the team’s on-ice display spoke volumes.
After a tight first period that ended 1-1, with Belgium’s opening goal coming from #4 Jennifer Van Hootegem (assist #9 Anke Steeno), and Hong Kong quickly equalizing. Team Belgium found their rhythm in the second period. Despite falling behind 2-1 early in the second, Belgium surged back with three unanswered goals, shifting the momentum decisively in their favor.
The scoring was made by #9 Anke Steeno (assist #11 Linnore Saunders), #8 Jirne Wagemans (assist #11 Linnore Saunders) and #19 Femke Bosmans (assist #9 Anke Steeno & #11 Linnore Saunders).
Belgium added two more goals in the third period, both scored by #17 Louise Paulissen (assists #14 Ans Van Hoof & #2 Sigrid Liedts), including an empty-netter to seal the deal.
The MVP for Belgium was for netminder #20 Charlotte Swinnen, who stood tall between the bars. Swinnen made crucial saves throughout the match, especially during a flurry of chances from Hong Kong in the second period, keeping her team comfortably ahead.
The win marks a confident start for Belgium in their Group B campaign and everybody is eager to follow their progress in the coming games, now with the livestream issues resolved.
Next up for Belgium: 15th of April 10am (BE time) vs NZL home-team.
Games can be watched on IIHF.TV with a small cost of 6€ for the whole tournament : IIHF.tv | Women's Worlds IIB, NZL