ASIAN ICE HOCKEY

South Korea has announced its roster for the 2025 IIHF World Championship Division IB in Tallinn, Estonia. After competing earlier this season at the IIHF Asia Championship and the Asian Winter Games, where they started strong but ended with bronze medals in both tournaments, the Koreans are determined to set things right. This time, they have only one goal – a quick return to Division IA.

Strong Core From HL Anyang

The core of the team is built around players from HL Anyang, the reigning ALIH champions. They are reinforced by six North America-based players and one from Europe, adding extra depth and experience to the lineup.

Key Players to Watch

Among the key players are rising Korean hockey star Chong Min Lee, currently playing in the ECHL, the top Korean scorer in the ALIH Sang Wook Kim, and another veteran forward Jin Hui Ahn. Joining the core group is Sang Hoon Shin, who started the season in the ECHL, finished it in Poland, and now returns to boost Korea’s offense..

Young Talent Emerging

Head coach of the Korean national team Woo Jae Kim will also keep a close eye on young talents who impressed at the recent Asian Winter Games, including defenseman Yu Chan Kong and forwards Sangyeob Kim and Si Hwan Kim.

Goaltending in Safe Hands

Between the pipes, South Korea will rely on newly turned 30-year-old Yeon Seung Lee, whose ALIH statistics have recently overtaken those of his more famous teammate, legendary goalie Matt Dalton.

U.S.-Based Players Add Firepower

South Korea’s serious intent to secure promotion is further underlined by the addition of two new talented players from the United States: Yoonho  “Roy” Chung from the NAHL and Jungwook “James” Hong from the NCAA.

While the 20-year-old Hong already represented Korea during the Olympic qualification, the 18-year-old Chung will be making his debut in the national team jersey.