The Israeli U20 National Ice Hockey Team captured gold in the championship. (Twitter Screenshot) (Twitter Screenshot)
israel national hockey team

Related:

Israel scored 41 goals in the tournament while only allowing 14.

By JNS

Israel’s Under-20 men’s national ice hockey team skated to a gold medal with a perfect record at the world championship tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria, that concluded on Saturday.

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) initially banned the Blue and White’s participation in the U20 Division III Group A tournament due to supposed security concerns after the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre in the northwestern Negev and the ensuing war in Gaza.

This decision was reversed on Jan. 17, seven days after it was announced, after mounting criticism of the move, including a statement of concern from the National Hockey League in North America.

The gold medal was given to the Israel team on a day with symbolic meaning, with Saturday being International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

In the final game of the tournament, Israel defeated Mexico 6-3, with two goals by Guy Aharonovich just 26 seconds apart in the third period. The team also notched wins against host Bulgaria, New Zealand, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey.

Israel scored 41 goals in the tournament while only allowing 14.

With the gold medal, the Israelis have been promoted to Division II Group B for the 2025 championship where they will face off against Australia, Belgium, Iceland, Serbia and Spain, which will be held in Ottawa, Canada, from Dec. 26, 2024 to Jan. 5, 2025.

Israel at War with Hamas. Support Israel Today!

The people of Israel need your help at this most critical time. Please make a donation to help protect and defend Israelis against unprecedented Hamas terror.

Rockets are falling. Sirens blare, with seconds to run for cover. IDF soldiers risk their lives battling terrorists inside Gaza. Thousands forced to abandon their homes in southern Israel.

To fight terror and save lives, UWI provides bomb shelters, anti-terror vehicles, protective gear, security equipment, medical assistance, relief to victims and much more. Help Israel fight and win this war against Hamas. The time to act is now!

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION