Italy wants to return to the top division. © Tobias Unterhofer / Vanna Antonello

6 teams, 2 promoted teams: This is Italy's World Cup group

The last time an ice hockey world championship took place in Italy was 30 years ago. It's that time again tomorrow, Sunday, when the World Cup begins in Bolzano.

27 April 2024

From: azl

The motto for Italy's national ice hockey team is clear. If the Azzurri want to get back into the top division, then a place among the best two teams is a must. Thomas Larkin & Co. will have to deal with South Korea, Japan, Romania, Slovenia and Hungary. We analyzed the teams in Group A of the First Division.

South Korea

The Asian team is participating in the World Cup in Group A of Division I for the fourth consecutive year. The boys, coached by coach Woo Jae Kim, have developed into a fast and technically adept team over the years. One of the Asians' greatest successes is their participation in the World Cup in the top division in 2018. Almost all of the players in the squad come from the Asian League and the Korean College League, with the exception of James Hon and Sangyeob Kim. Both earn their money abroad.

Japan

The Japanese are returning to Group A after eight years. Under the leadership of current Italian assistant coach Perry Pearn, a brilliant rise was achieved: five wins from five games, an impressive 29 goals scored and only 10 goals conceded are a true demonstration of power. Similar to South Korea, almost the entire squad comes from the Asian League. The team is coached by Jarrod Skalde. The Canadian, coach of Meran in the Alps Hockey League, took over the position with the Asians less than 20 days ago.

Italy

After the disappointment in Nottingham, the Azzurri have a great chance to play for a place in the top division in front of their own crowd. The preparation for the home World Cup was intensive: coach Pelino could count on the entire group from the start. The squad is a mix of experienced players and young talent. Terrance Amorosa, Jason Seed, Dan Catenacci, Tommaso De Luca, Dustin Gazley, Tommy Purdeller and Anthony Salinitri are making their senior national team debuts. Also on board Damian Clara. The young goalkeeper, who was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks last year, won the Allsvenskan with Brynäs a few days ago.

Romania

The Romanian team is represented in Group A for the third time in a row. After gaining promotion in 2019 and missing the following two years due to Covid, the Romanians managed to stay in the league in 2023 thanks to a win over Lithuania. All players in the squad come from either the Romanian League or the First League. Particular caution applies to Finnish-born defenseman Matias Haaranen and striker Yevgeni Skachkov, who has already played in the KHL. The team is led by Dave MacQueen. The 65-year-old Canadian has been the coach in Romania for five seasons, having previously coached Dornbirn for seven years.

Slovenia

After last year's relegation, Slovenia is one of the main contenders for promotion to the top division. Coach Edo Terglav's cracks are in good form and have defeated Austria, Poland and France in the preparatory games. The squad is made up of numerous talented and experienced players, many of whom come from the ICE Hockey League. With Jan Drozg (KHL) and Matic Torok (Finnish Liiga), players from top leagues are also there. The possible participation of Jan Urbas, Ziga Jeglic and Miha Verlic, who took part yesterday Friday, remains open Bremerhaven lost out in the DEL final against Berlin.

Hungary

The Hungarians were also relegated from the top division last year. The boys of coach Don MacAdam, who was also the head coach of Bozen in the past, are a well-rehearsed team with talented players. Eyes are particularly on striker Vilmos Gallò, who has returned to Finland to join KooKoo after three seasons in Sweden, as well as Janos Hari and young defender Balazs Varga, who is under contract with JYP in the Finnish Liiga. The preparation for the World Cup was extremely positive: after two defeats against Poland, there were two wins against Norway and one against Italy.