Danes heading to Division I after loss to Switzerland

Team Denmark lost 2-1 to Switzerland and finish last in the Relegation Group. That means that the Danes will play Division I Group A of the World Championship next year. Their position in the Championship Division will be taken by Team Slovakia.

Swiss were more active in the beginning of the game. First dangerous shot came in 12th minute. Julian Schmutz shot and Sørensen saved his attempt. Danish goalie let in a goal just a minute later. Rebound shot by Dario Kummer ended behind Sørensen.

Bjorkstrand had a chance to strike back few minutes later, but Nyffeler saved his shot. Danes put Swiss under good pressure, but weren´t able to score a goal until the end of the first period.

Second period started with a power play for Team Switzerland. And Swiss players scored! Xano Busser scored with the rebound of his own shot. Swiss were better and Team Denmark had to defend solidly.

Danes helped themselves with fouls, but Swiss had great power-plays, so Team Denmark had to defend all the second period. But then the penalty came for Swiss forward Sieber. Danish players played their power-play really well and were close to scoring. Unfortunately for Danes, they didn´t manage to score.

At the beginning of the third period Danes had a few shots, but Nyffeler was unbeatable. Then came the part when Swiss were better, but even they couldn´t manage to score a goal.

Interesting thing happened in 52nd minute. Balmelli was awarded a penalty and Danish coach Morten Hagen took a time-out. Team Denmark didn´t manage to score on power-play and it was looking bad for Team Denmark. Sørensen saved massive chance by Herzog and kept their hopes alive. Two minutes to go in the third period Danes pulled the goalie. Then the penalty came for Danes. But even in this situation, Danes pulled the goalie again! And 37 seconds to go in the third period Team Denmark scored. Oliver Bjorkstrand managed to score first goal. However, Danes couldn´t beat Nyffeler again and lost.

After the game a fight broke out, but eventually players shook their hands and went to the locker-room.

“We had many chances and could score. We just lack a little bit of luck. I like it here in Brno and Znojmo, all people are kind. It´s my first World Championship and I will remember it for the rest of my life,” said Danish goalie Sørensen after match.

“We played well and we entered the game well. The fight at the end just reflected their frustration,” commented Swiss forward Dario Kummer.