Hungary Leap Frogs France For Promotion, Norway Finishes First

Heading into the second last game of the IIHF Division 1A World Championships in Klagenfurt, Austria, it was all on the line for France and Hungary.

Earlier in the day, Norway secured promotion for themselves going undefeated in the event, and finishing first. With Norway's win over South Korea, it meant the winner of Frances versus Hungary would earn promotion, and the loser would stay in Division 1A.

Related: Norway To In Top World Championship Division For First Time Since 1997

In the end, it was Hungary who earned a hard fought 2-1 win, punching their ticket back to the top division of the World Championships next season in Czechia . To open the game, France jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a Lore Baudrit goal. Nearing the midway point in the game, Hungary got on the board with Kinga Joki-Szilagyi scoring to equalize. Heading to the third period tied 1-1, Hungary's Mira Seregely capitalized on the powerplay to give Hungary a 2-1 lead. Moments later Hungary was forced to kill off a five minute major, but they held on for the 2-1 win to earn promotion. Hungary's Aniko Nemeth stopped 24 shots in the win.

With the promotion of Hungary and Norway, it sets up the ten nations who will compete in Ceska Budejovice, Czechia from April 9-20 next season. Those nations include Canada, USA, Finland, Czechia, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, Japan, Norway, and Hungary.

Division 1A will include the relegated China and Denmark, joining France, Austria, Netherlands, and promoted Slovakia.

South Korea was relegated to the Division 1B tournament.

For the first time next season, the IIHF will synchronize their international break with the top division, Division 1A and Division 1B all playing during the same international window.

Related: IIHF Will Synchronize Women's World Championships At Top, Division 1A and Division 1B Levels Next Year