Credit: Team Luxembourg Ice Hockey

The Luxembourg national ice hockey team has won its opening match against Turkey in the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Division III World Championships, taking place from 22-28 April 2019 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

The Fédération Luxembourgeoise de Hockey sur Glace (FLHG) has once again sent a senior men’s national ice hockey team to the IIHF World Championships. This year’s World Championships are special, however, as the team return to Sofia and the Winter Sports Palace arena - the very same building where on 16 April 2017 Luxembourg won its first ever IIHF World Championship gold medal. An achievement that received personal praise from Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and has since inspired a boom in ice hockey participation in Luxembourg.

Standing in the way of Luxembourg taking back the gold are host nation Bulgaria, Turkey, Chinese Taipei, South Africa and newcomers Turkmenistan. The tournament follows a league format, meaning Luxembourg will compete against all five nations, with the winner of the group being promoted to Division 2B for 2020.

The national team have already secured one victory under their belt, winning 3-2 against Turkey in yesterday's match. On the first day of the World Championships, the opening match of the tournament saw Luxembourg face off against Turkey for the first time since 2016. In 2016, Turkey defeated Luxembourg 10-2. This time, whilst Turkey established early possession, it would be the Lions who dominated in the final few minutes of the game. With just over two minutes left and a tie between the two teams, Luxembourg's Claude Mossong scored the winning shot. Next on the agenda, Luxembourg will go head to head with Chinese Taipei as they continue their quest for gold.

Schedule (GMT+2)

22 April @12:00: Luxembourg vs Turkey 

23 April @15:30: Luxembourg vs Chinese Taipei

25 April @12:00: Luxembourg vs South Africa

26 April @15:30: Luxembourg vs Turkmenistan 

28 April @19:00: Luxembourg vs Bulgaria