Ice Blacks Open World Championships Campaign With 3-1 Win Over Chinese Taipei

The New Zealand Ice Blacks kicked off their 2025 IIHF World Championship Division II B campaign in Dunedin last night with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over a quick and skillful Chinese Taipei side.

From the first puck drop, Chinese Taipei impressed with their speed and agility, making for an exciting spectacle for the packed Dunedin Ice Stadium crowd. But it was the Ice Blacks who found the back of the net first, with Ivan Dalmatov (#10) opening the scoring midway through the first period, assisted by Luke Simon (#7) and Ian Audas (#15).

New Zealand doubled their lead early in the second period at 24:44, with Jacob Carey (#24) firing home an unassisted goal to give the home side some breathing room.

Despite New Zealand controlling much of the play, Chinese Taipei continued to push back and were rewarded late in the third with a goal that brought them within one. With time running out, Chinese Taipei pulled their goalie in a desperate bid to equalize — but it was the Ice Blacks who capitalized, as Colin McIntosh (#19) sealed the win with an empty-netter.

The game was not without its tension, with both teams racking up a flurry of penalties throughout the night.

After the opening round, New Zealand sits in third place on the standings. The team will face a quick turnaround, hitting the ice again tonight at 8:00pm against Georgia — a team known for its physical style of play.

It promises to be a bruising battle as the Ice Blacks look to continue their strong start and climb the rankings.

About the Ice Blacks

The Ice Blacks are New Zealand’s national men’s ice hockey team, representing the country on the world stage in IIHF competition. Known for their grit, determination, and fast-paced style of play, the Ice Blacks are a proud symbol of the growth of ice hockey in New Zealand. They regularly compete in the IIHF World Championship Division II tournaments and have a strong following at home and abroad.

About the IIHF World Championship Division II B

The IIHF World Championship Division II B is an international tournament featuring emerging hockey nations from around the globe. Teams compete for promotion to higher divisions, with each game offering valuable world ranking points. The 2025 tournament is being held in Dunedin, New Zealand, providing a rare opportunity for local fans to see world championship action on home ice. Teams include: New Zealand (Ice Blacks), Chinese Taipei, Georgia, Thailand, Iceland and Bulgaria

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