Mighty Roos claim gold — Australia promoted back to Div IIA

By Trevor Allen for IIHF.com, 16 April 2016

MEXICO CITY — Australia has claimed gold in Mexico City to capture the 2016 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division II Group B in stunning fashion.

The Mighty Roos re-join Division IIA after scoring a combined 58 goals against opponents Bulgaria, Israel, DPR Korea, hosts Mexico and on arch-rivals New Zealand.

After being relegated last year, the Australians were determined to get back. But newly-appointed head coach Brad Vigon had to make do without their star player Nathan Walker.

In the opening match, eventual silver medallist and host Mexico provided stoic resistance for Australia at the Ice Dome packed with 2,000 fans. The hosts came back from a 4-2 deficit in the third period to force overtime but the Mighty Roos prevailed in the extra period.

From there it was smooth sailing for the men from Down Under, defeating Bulgaria 14-0, Israel 11-3, DPR Korea 22-0 and finally a 6-2 win over New Zealand.

Despite the Kiwis not having the best of tournaments, Trans-Tasman bragging rights were on the line against Australia in the final match, in what is always a bruising encounter.

New Zealand dominated early from the opening puck-drop with physical forechecking pegging Australia in their own zone.

But as Australia settled, their strong passing game began to overpower the Ice Blacks and the breakthrough was made by Jordan Kyros from a nice feed from Wehebe Darge.

Defenceman David Huxley scored the Mighty Roos' second goal as time expired in the first period, and Darge picked up his 10th goal of the tournament early in the middle frame to make it 3-0.

Mitch Humpries then added two quick goals and Darge bagged another, giving Australia a 6-0 cushion heading to the final period.

"Only gold — anything else is a failure," coach Vigon said before the game. "That's not only my opinion but in the opinion of the entire squad. We're on a mission."

"I couldn't be more impressed by the guys' buy-in and work ethic and everything we've done in preparation. The preparation the guys have done in the lead up has arguably been better than past years and they were ready to go before they boarded the plane. These guys are one of the best groups I've ever worked with. I can't say enough good things about them."

New Zealand fought gallantly in the third period, with Mitchell Frear and Jacob Ratcliffe finding the back of the net, but goalie Anthony Kimlin held firm for Australia to claim the gold with the final 6-2 win.

Mexico claimed the silver medal after defeating DPR Korea 5-3 in their final game.

"It was a close tournament overall with good hockey," said Mexico team spokesperson Daniela Montes de Oca. "The crowds really came out to support us and the players had fun."

Australia's Darge finished as the tournament's top scorer, notching 11 goals and 13 assists. Teammates Paul Baranzelli and Anthony Kimlin were named best defenceman and gest goaltender respectively, while Mexcio's Hector Majul was voted best forward.

Israel finished with the bronze medal ahead of New Zealand (4th) and DPR Korea (5th). DPR Korea was the team promoted to this group and maintained to stay in Division II thanks to a 9-3 opening day win against Bulgaria. Later they also beat New Zealand, 7-4. Bulgaria is relegated to Division III after losing all five of their games.