Showing Some International Love: World Junior Championship - Division II Group A Review

Home ice seemed helpful for Romania. How helpful? Take a look.

Note: Most data from the IIHF website.

Standings

1 (Promotion) - Japan      5W - 0L - 15PTS - +23GD
2 - Hungary                      3W - 1OTW - 1L - 11PTS - +6GD
3 - Romania                     3W - 2L - 9PTS - -1GD
4 - Netherlands                2W - 1OTL - 2L - 7PTS - -6GD
5 - Lithuania                    1W - 4L - 3PTS - -5GD
6 (Relegation) - Spain      0W - 5L - 0PTS - -17GD

Results

December 9
Lithuania 1 vs. Netherlands 2
Hungary 2 vs. Japan 7
Romania 6 vs. Spain 3

December 10
Lithuania 1 vs. Hungary 3
Japan 6 vs. Spain 1
Netherlands 4 vs. Romania 5

December 12
Hungary 6 vs. Spain 2
Japan 8 vs. Netherlands 1
Lithuania 3 vs. Romania 5

December 13
Netherlands 5 vs. Hungary 6 (OT)
Spain 3 vs. Lithuania 6
Romania 1 vs. Japan 4

December 15
Japan 6 vs. Lithuania 3
Spain 3 vs. Netherlands 5
Hungary 5 vs. Romania 1

Recap

After getting relegated last year, Japan had no problem running the table and regaining a spot in Division I. What might be surprising was that they were down at one point to both Hungary and the Netherlands. The real question for Spain now is will they be able to stick around in Division I this time.

Hungary improved from last year, adding an extra win to their record. The only blimps were a lost to eventual winners Spain and being matched by Netherlands, needing overtime to win against them. They do have a chance to challenge for a promotion next year.

For a team that was just promoted to Group A, Romania made some noise. They easily beat Spain, held on against the Netherlands, and came back against Lithuania. Romania finished the tournament with two straight losses. They survived this year, but next year will determine if they can actually hang around with Group A competition.

The Netherlands are slowly improving. Outside of the near comeback against Romania and being able to match Hungary, their tournament was par for the course. The question for them next year will be if they can keep improving.

For a fifth place team, Lithuania did manage to challenge teams early. The only problem they had was blowing a 2nd period lead against Romania. After almost being promoted last year, they almost get relegated. Next year will be interesting for them.

Last year, Spain's tournament got progressively worst. This year, that downward momentum continued. They could not fight back after the other team got the lead. Just by the initial glance, they should be able to redeem themselves in Group B.