South Korea's men’s ice hockey team delivered a stunning performance against rival Japan, triumphing 5-2 at the Asian Winter Games held at Harbin Sports University Student Ice Rink in China. The victory, achieved on the opening day of the tournament, propels South Korea to second place in Group A with eight points, following Kazakhstan, who leads with nine points.
Captain Kim Sang-wook led the charge, scoring two goals as the squad overcame an early deficit. South Korea, ranked 22nd globally, faced the 24th-ranked Japan, who struck first with Masato Okubo’s power play goal just 2 minutes and 25 seconds after the first puck drop. But the South Korean team quickly regained momentum.
“We didn’t let the early goal discourage us,” remarked team captain Kim Sang-wook. “We refocused and came back stronger.” Lee Chong-min, showing great skill and determination, netted the equalizer at 6:06. After receiving a pass from Ahn Jin-hui, Lee executed a brilliant backhand shot, slipping the puck past Japan's goalie Yuta Narisawa.
The dynamic play continued as South Korea soared ahead with Kim scoring again, tapping one home just 27 seconds after the second period began. Taiga Irikura of Japan tied the game shortly afterwards, but Kim Sang-yeob swiftly restored South Korea’s lead at 7:24 of the period. Kim Sang-wook's second goal came just before the end of the second period, solidifying South Korea’s grip on the match.
Despite facing some challenges, including moments of short-handed play, the South Korean team showcased resilience. Kang Yoon-seok's goal, scored with just 88 seconds left on the clock, sealed the deal, giving South Korea its third consecutive win and keeping their hopes for the Winter Asian gold alive.
The tournament is proving significant for South Korea's aspirations not just for immediate victory but also for enhancing their stature within the international ice hockey community. This match marked South Korea's third victory at the Games, following triumphs over China and Taiwan. Kim Sang-wook's impressive tally of six goals throughout the tournament has placed him as one of the standout players, showcasing the depth of talent within the South Korean roster.
The South Korean national team will face Thailand next, continuing their path through the preliminary rounds. With every match being pivotal for positioning, Head Coach Kim Woo-jae emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum. “Every game counts, and it’s great to see how the team is gelling together,” he said post-match. “We are focused on moving forward.”
Looking forward to facing Thailand, South Korea is eager to build on this victory, highlighting the strategic teamwork and skillful execution exhibited against Japan. It’s clear from their performance so far, South Korea is not just aiming to compete but is poised to dominate the 2025 Winter Asian Games.