Men's Ice hockey World Championship under way

The 2026 IIHF Men’s Ice Hockey World Championship Division I, Group B opened April 29 at the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Center in Longgang District.

The tournament, which runs until May 5, features 15 games among six teams: China, Romania, South Korea, Estonia, Spain and the Netherlands. The competition adopts a single round-robin format.

The six sides will battle for the sole promotion spot to Division I, Group A — the upper tier of the division. The team that finishes with the fewest points will be relegated to the lower division.

Players from China and South Korea line up on the ice before the opening match of the 2026 IIHF Men’s Ice Hockey World Championship Division I, Group B, at the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Center in Longgang District on April 29. Photos by Liu Xudong

Players from China (in red) and South Korea (in white) battle for the puck during a match at the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Center.

The opening day saw fierce competition between China and South Korea, with the host suffering a disappointing 7-4 loss. Despite the defeat, the Chinese players fought hard on the ice, showing resilience in both defense and attack. In the stands, the audience cheered loudly for the home team.

In other matches that day, Estonia thrashed Spain 12-2, while Romania blanked the Netherlands 7-0 in two thrilling encounters.

Players from the Netherlands and Romania compete during a match at the 2026 IIHF Men’s Ice Hockey World Championship Division I, Group B, at the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Center.

Attila Nagy, president of the Romanian Ice Hockey Federation, said his team had high hopes for the tournament.

“Romania is coming from the upper level of Division I. Our goal is to win this tournament, but we know it will not be easy because all the teams are very strong and solid,” he said.

Nagy also praised the Shenzhen arena.

“It’s a dream place to play,” he said. “I hope a lot of kids come to watch the games — that will inspire them to start playing. And that is the purpose of hosting this tournament.”

Metro access: Line 16 to Universiade Center Station (大运中心站), Exit C or D; Line 3 or 14 to Universiade Station (大运站), Exit 3, 11, 12, or 13

Attila Nagy (2nd R), president of the Romanian Ice Hockey Federation, speaks with a Shenzhen Daily reporter during an interview.

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