Germany secured a comfortable victory. © ANSA / CLAUDIO THOMA

First World Cup victory: Germany breathes a sigh of relief

The German national ice hockey team has won for the first time at this World Championship in Switzerland and can still hope to reach the quarterfinals.

22 May 2026

From: Leo/dpa

Harold Kreis's team defeated underdog Hungary 6-2 in Zurich. The German Ice Hockey Federation's team needs further victories against Austria on Saturday (8:20 pm) and two days later against Great Britain to keep their chances of reaching the knockout stage alive.

Mannheim defenseman Leon Gawanke scored three goals (20th, 42nd, and 50th minutes). Eric Mik (9th minute), Boston Bruins forward Lukas Reichel (40th minute), and Samuel Dove-McFalls (40th minute) also found the net.

Canada remains flawless

In the Italy group, underdog Slovenia put up a valiant fight against Canada, losing 1-3 after 60 minutes. Denton Mateychuk opened the scoring in the first period, followed by goals from Dylan Cozens and Emmitt Finnie. With 65 seconds remaining, 22-year-old Olimpija Ljubljana defenseman Rozle Bohinc scored Slovenia's consolation goal.

Dylan Cozens scored to make it 2-0. © ANSA / SALVATORE DI NOLFI

Italy's biggest rival in the fight against relegation remains in sixth place with three points. Behind them, the Azzurri and Denmark are still waiting for their first points. Canada, meanwhile, leads Group B.