Italy wins the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge

In the decisive game for the tournament victory in Miskolc, coach Rick Cornacchia relied on Finland legionnaire Andreas Bernard in goal. The plan worked, as the young goalkeeper excelled several times and helped the Italians make up for the one point behind Japan in the table and move into first place.

Bernard had to fend off 15 shots in the first period. Both teams went into the locker room with the score at 0-0. Italy got better going in the middle section, but Japan took the lead through Aaron Keller, who scored in the lead after 36.25 minutes. Italy then played with two more men on the ice and quickly equalized. Pat Iannone gave the opposing goalie no chance of a pass from Sirianni and Egger.

In the final third, the “Blue Team” finally took control and pushed for the winning goal. Narigawa in the Japan goal fended off all of Sirianni and Co.'s attempts. After no goal was scored even in extra time, the penalty shootout had to bring about the decision. Rob Sirianni and Alex Egger scored for Italy, while only Domeki scored for Japan. After Ansoldi missed the Italians' last penalty, Bernard also thwarted the Japanese's last attempt by Saito and thus secured Italy's victory.

Japan and Italy now both have seven points to their name, but due to their success in the direct duel, the “Azzurri” were ultimately named tournament winners. Regardless, the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge has provided Rick Cornacchia with some positives ahead of the 2012 World Championships in Sweden.

Japan – Italy 1:2 (0:0, 1:1, 0:0, 0:0, 0:1) 1:0 Aaron Keller (36.25), 1:1 Pat Iannone (37.57), decisive penalty from Alex Egger

The Euro Ice Hockey Challenge table:

1. Italy 7 points 2. Japan 7 3. Hungary 1 (-1 game) 4. Austria 0 (-1 game)

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Italy wins the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge

The Azzurri celebrated their third success in a row against Japan and won the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge in Hungary with a 2-1 win after a penalty shootout.

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