Latvia Women’s Hockey Team Loses to Netherlands but Retains Division III Spot

RIGA, Latvia — Latvia’s women’s national ice hockey team faced a tough 6-0 loss to the Netherlands in the final game of the IIHF Women’s World Championship Division III Group B tournament held in Reykjavik, Iceland, on April 13, 2024. Despite the defeat, Latvia finished second in the group and maintained its position in Division III for the 2025 season, avoiding relegation to the qualification tournament.

The match, played at the Laugardalslöllur arena, saw the Dutch team dominate from the outset, scoring three goals in each period. Latvia’s goaltender, Santa Bulāne, made 32 saves but could not stem the tide against a Netherlands side that outshot Latvia 48-19. The Dutch goals came from multiple contributors, with forward Nina Pijnenburg scoring twice and defenders Maud Hegener and Jette van den Berg each adding a goal.

For Latvia, the loss was a setback in their campaign to earn promotion to Division II, but the team’s overall performance in the tournament secured their standing. Latvia began the tournament with a 5-0 victory over Iceland on April 9, followed by a 4-1 win against Croatia on April 11, before falling to the Netherlands in the decisive match. These results placed Latvia second in Group B with six points, behind the Netherlands’ nine points but ahead of Croatia’s three points and Iceland’s zero.

Head coach Kaspars Bogdanovs acknowledged the challenge posed by the Dutch side but emphasized the team’s resilience throughout the tournament. “We knew the Netherlands would be a strong opponent, and they executed their game plan effectively,” Bogdanovs said in a post-game interview. “While we didn’t get the result we wanted today, I’m proud of how the team competed in all three games. Securing our Division III status is a foundation we can build on for next season.”

The Netherlands’ victory earned them promotion to Division II Group B for the 2025 season, while Latvia’s retention of their Division III spot means they will compete again in the same division next year. According to IIHF regulations, the top two teams in each Division III group advance or retain their status, with the group winner earning promotion and the runner-up maintaining their position unless relegated by performance in the qualification round — which does not apply here as Latvia finished second.

Looking ahead, Latvia’s women’s hockey program will focus on development and preparation for the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division III tournament. The team is expected to begin training camps in late summer 2024, with specific dates and venues to be announced by the Latvian Ice Hockey Federation later this year. Fans can follow updates through the Latvian Ice Hockey Federation’s official website and social media channels for announcements regarding roster selections and preparation camps.

What do you think about Latvia’s performance in the tournament? Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for more updates on Latvian women’s hockey.