Overtime victory: Austria's women's ice hockey team secures top-flight status

Austria's women's national ice hockey team has avoided relegation at the World Championship!

With a 2-1 overtime victory over Japan, the Austrians celebrated staying in the top division thanks to a brace from captain Anna Meixner.

Penalty proves costly for Japan

A crucial moment occurred with two seconds remaining in the first period: Umeka Odaira committed a late hit, resulting in a two-minute penalty.

This would prove costly for the Japanese team. Just 36 seconds into the second period, the Austrians capitalized on the power play through captain Anna Meixner to take the lead (21').

Austria showed a much-improved performance, but towards the end of the second period, the momentum swung back in Japan's favor.

Japan's 24th shot on goal finds the net

Japan repeatedly launched quick attacks that caused disorder in the Austrian defense.

That was also the case in the 51st minute, when Akane Shiga converted Japan's 24th shot on goal to level the score at 1-1. The relegation battle was wide open once again.

Following the equalizer, Japan kept up the pressure, but Austria held firm. Shortly before the end of the third period, Japan found themselves shorthanded again after Wakana Kurosu took a penalty (59').

With no winner determined in regulation, the game went into overtime, with Austria still having 29 seconds of power-play time remaining.

Decided in overtime

In overtime, the Austrian team briefly enjoyed a 5-on-3 advantage. A shot from Austria hit the crossbar as they kept pressing.

In the second minute of overtime, it was once again captain Anna Meixner who scored for Austria, securing their place in the top division.