NEWCASTLE, Australia – Lliam Webster’s goal midway through the first period was the only tally Australia needed to defeat China, 1-0, in the deciding match of the 2008 IIHF World Championship Division II Group B. Newcastle Northstars goaltender Matthew Ezzy turned aside all 36 shots he faced to seal the victory. Chinese goaltender Yang Yu stopped 31 of 32 shots in a losing effort.

Coached by former NHL player Steve McKenna, the Mighty Roos got to celebrate the biggest win in the nation’s hockey history in front of a delighted home crowd. Australia, which will be promoted to Division I for the first time in its history, went undefeated in the tournament.

Prior to the final game, the Australians defeated Mexico by a 7-1 score, earned a 5-3 win over Spain, beat traditional rival New Zealand by a 4-2 count, and shut out Iceland 3-0.

The second-placed Chinese also played a strong tournament throughout, showing that the team benefited from facing Division I opposition a year ago and the Asia League feeder system within China has helped players on the national team gain some confidence and experience.  

This year’s tournament saw hockey teams from four different continents compete. The majority of the games were reasonably close, with 10 of the games decided by either one or two goals.

Spain finished third in the field, narrowly losing to both the Aussies and Chinese but defeating its other opponents. Mexico and Iceland rank behind the Spaniards in the standings.

New Zealand, last year’s Division III World Championship winner, will be relegated back to Division III. However, the Ice Blacks gave Spain a tough match in losing, 5-4, and were not blown out in any game.

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BILL MELTZER