ASIAN ICE HOCKEY

As a freshly relegated team, Kazakhstan entered the tournament as one of the top contenders for promotion. Austria and Norway were expected to be their main rivals, but the hosts from Slovenia – playing on home ice – couldn’t be overlooked either. The six-team field also featured France and tournament newcomers Ukraine.

Kazakhstan Rides CHL Talent and MHL Core Under Young Bench Boss Anton Vasin

Only four players returned from last year’s roster, with the lineup built around a solid core from Russia-based multinational junior league MHL – mainly from Snezhnye Barsy Astana. They were joined by six players competing in Canadian and U.S. junior leagues, along with several others from the domestic U20 circuit.

Head coach Anton Vasin – a 35-year-old Russian native who also helms Snezhnye Barsy in the MHL – relied most heavily on Kazakhstan’s top CHL prospects: Kornei Korneyev (QMJHL) and the WHL’s Sarkenov brothers, Asanali and Alisher. A handful of players with Pro Hokei Ligasy experience added a dose of senior-level seasoning.

The Kazakhs Stumble Early With Shocking OT Loss to Ukraine

Kazakhstan’s campaign got off to a rocky start with a stunning 2–1 overtime loss to Ukraine – a result few saw coming given the mismatch on paper.

The upset rattled the team’s confidence, and their struggles continued against hosts Slovenia. Trailing by two goals during regulation, the Kazakhs clawed their way back and ultimately escaped with a shootout win.

Kazakhstan Drop 14 on France as Asanali Sarkenov Erupts for Four Goals

Next came a wild, high-scoring affair against France, where goals came in bunches. Kazakhstan cruised to a 14–6 victory, powered by a standout performance from Spokane Chiefs forward Asanali Sarkenov (WHL), who scored four goals and added an assist.

Dream of Promotion Shattered by Norway’s 10–2 Rout

Any momentum Kazakhstan built was quickly halted by a brutal 10–2 loss to Norway – a wake-up call that underscored the Norwegians’ strength. As the tournament unfolded, Norway emerged as the clear front-runner for promotion, ultimately going undefeated and showcasing the steady rise of junior hockey in the Nordic nation.

Kazakh Squad Ends on a High Note With Stunning Comeback Win Over Austria

Kazakhstan saved their best for last. Facing an Austrian team still in the hunt for promotion – but needing a full three-point win – the Kazakhs looked out of the game early, trailing 4–0 just 16 minutes in. But that’s when Kornei Korneyev and Alisher Sarkenov took over.

The dynamic duo combined for a jaw-dropping five points each and led Kazakhstan to a miraculous 5–4 comeback. Korneyev sealed the win with an empty-netter, as Austria pulled their goalie in a desperate push to stay in the race for gold.

Team Kazakhstan Clinch Second Place After Turbulent Tournament Run

With the dramatic win over Austria, Kazakhstan leapfrogged their rivals in the standings to secure a well-earned second-place finish. After a rollercoaster week, the result was something to be proud of – and considering Norway’s dominant run, it likely marked the ceiling for this year’s Kazakh squad.

Korneyev Leads Scoring Race as Goaltending Woes Haunt Kazakh Squad

As expected, Kazakhstan’s offensive engine was Kornei Korneyev of the QMJHL’s Victoriaville Tigres. He racked up 12 points (6G, 6A) to top the tournament scoring charts. Close behind were the Sarkenov brothers – Alisher with 9 points (3G, 6A) and Asanali with 8 (5G, 3A).

On the flip side, goaltending proved to be Kazakhstan’s Achilles’ heel. Head coach Anton Vasin leaned on his Snezhnye Barsy tandem of Dmitri Ryashin and Daulet Kuat despite their shaky numbers – each averaging over 5 goals against per game in the MHL, and doing little to improve that stat on the world stage. Tanirkhan Alpysbayev, who plays 18U AAA hockey in the U.S., didn’t see a single minute of action.