The Australian men’s national under-18 team have defeated the Mexican men’s national under-18 team 3–2 in their third game of the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship Division II Group B tournament in Belgrade, Serbia. Australia’s three goals were scored by Hugo Arps, Artem Astafiev, and Ruben Nalos. The IIHF award for best Australian player of the match was given to defender Rowan Barrett. The result is similar to the two teams’ last meeting in 2016 where Australia won 5–4.
In the other games of the day, Belgium defeated Chinese Taipei 5–4 and the Netherlands beat Serbia 4–2. At the end of the third round, Australia has moved up to second place on the standings, trailing the now first placed Netherlands on goal difference. Competition continues today with Australia taking on Belgium for their fourth game of the tournament. The two teams last met at the 2025 World Championships where Australia lost 4–8.
Results
Australia
3–2
Mexico
SOG: 26
(2–0, 0–0, 1–2)
SOG: 38
– Game details: 12:30, 8 April 2025, Pionir Ice Hall. Game card.
Chinese Taipei
4–5
Belgium
SOG: 32
(1–1, 3–1, 0–3)
SOG: 44
– Game details: 16:00, 8 April 2025, Pionir Ice Hall. Game card.
Netherlands
4–2
Serbia
SOG: 26
(2–1, 0–0, 2–1)
SOG: 40
– Game details: 19:30, 8 April 2025, Pionir Ice Hall. Game card.
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