Photo: IIHF
Video: Joshua Girshenbaum
Having secured just one win in their first two years on the world stage, our women’s team has already achieved two victories this week. Today’s game against Singapore at the 2024 Women’s World Championship in Division IIIB in Estonia resulted in a 3-1 success, moving the Blue-and-Whites to the second spot in the table behind Thailand.
The first period was scoreless, which undoubtedly favored Singapore as Israel dominated through the opening stanza. Despite all their efforts, our women failed to find a way past the opposing goalie. The deadlock was finally broken in the 27th minute, and fittingly enough, it was none other than Lior Leshem, fresh from her hat-trick against Bosnia & Herzegovina, who put Danill Eliseev’s team in front. Having seen a couple of her trademark shots from the blue line saved, she decided to change tactics and took a breathtaking solo run from the D-zone, carving through the defense and leaving the goalie helpless with a delicate finish.
Ironically, it was Leshem who was sent to the penalty box ten minutes later, presenting Singapore with a chance to level the score, which they duly took. Thus, at the second intermission, there was still nothing to separate the teams.
The crucial moment came in the 47th minute when Israel launched a massive attack. The puck could hardly be seen in the crowded goal crease, but Pnina Basov somehow managed to send it over the line, becoming the team’s first player to score at two World Championships. The Blue-and-Whites successfully defended their slim lead until the last minute, prompting Singapore to pull out their goalie. This was just what Lior needed for her second marker of the day. Collecting the puck near her own net, she sent it powerfully and precisely through the entire rink to set the final score.
So, there is just one game left for our women in Kohtla-Jarve. Tomorrow, they play the host team, Estonia. Promotion is out of the question since Thailand already secured the first spot. But it does not make the game meaningless at all. The two teams met at this stage two years ago, and our team suffered a bitter 10-0 defeat. On Friday, they will be looking to erase those painful memories.