Kazakhstan started its 2026 IIHF Asia Championship campaign with a solid 4–2 victory over a young South Korean team in Beijing.
The game opened at a quick pace, and Kazakhstan struck first when D-man Ivan Stepanenko gave his team the lead at 10:10 of the opening period. Stepanenko doubled the advantage early in the second, putting Kazakhstan firmly in control.
South Korea Cuts the Gap but Starchenko Answers
South Korea responded midway through the period, with Sangyeob Kim cutting the deficit to 2–1. Kazakhstan, however, restored its two-goal cushion before the intermission thanks to Roman Starchenko, one of the most experienced forwards in the lineup and a long-time figure in Kazakh hockey.
A Rare Scorer Turns Into a Hat-Trick Hero
Stepanenko completed his hat trick at 47:56, extending the lead to 4–1 and capping a standout performance. It was a remarkable turnaround for the defenseman, who had scored just once this season for Saryarka Karaganda in the Pro Hokei Ligasy.
South Korea made one more push late in the game, as Min Wan Kang scored in the final minutes to make it 4–2, but Kazakhstan calmly closed out the win.
The Tournament Marches On
Later today, hosts China face Japan in the second game of the tournament.
📆 The Full Tournament Schedule with Results is Available HERE.
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