The U18 World Championship in Zug came to an end on Sunday evening with the US women winning the world title. It was an intense week in the BOSSARD Arena, which was the best advertisement for women’s ice hockey. The Swiss women’s first game was attended by over 1000 spectators. On average, almost 800 fans watched their games, and 1456 watched the final.
EVZ had the largest contingent with five national team players: captain Naemi Herzig, assistant captain Ivana Wey, Lorena Wrann, Jael Manetsch and Julia Näf were in the line-up. Wey got on the scoresheet with two assists, Herzig and Manetsch with one. It was the second and last U18 World Championship for striker Ivana Wey, who will soon be 18 years old. Looking back, the Davos native emphasized the “great team spirit”. Thanks to this, the Swiss women were able to respond to the bitter 2:1 defeat against the Slovakians in the last group game and win the relegation game against Germany. In between was the 6-0 defeat in the quarter-finals against the previously overpowering Canadians. The latter were surprisingly defeated by the Czech Republic in the semi-final – they had won the preliminary round 8:1. Canada ultimately took bronze, also winning 8:1 against Finland in the match for third place.
The Women’s U18 World Championship in the BOSSARD Arena was a great success. The Swiss women, who had five EVZ players in action, at least achieved the minimum goal.
The Swiss women finished in 7th place. Ivana Wey speaks of a «solid World Championships, both for the team and for me personally.» Although the team had hoped for more, the most important thing was that they avoided relegation.
Wey remembers the atmosphere in the BOSSARD Arena as «mega cool». She was proud to play in front of her family and friends who had made the trip. Now her focus is back on the EVZ Women’s Team. The Cup quarter-final match against Ambrì-Piotta Girls is scheduled for Thursday.
