Asia is strongly represented, with North Korea, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Philippines, and Singapore all competing. Mongolia qualified by winning Division IV in 2024, while North Korea, Hong Kong, Philippines, and Singapore remained in the division from last year. Mexico joined this group after being relegated from Division III A in 2024.
IIHF World Championship Division III B: Standings After Three Matchdays
With identical records, Mexico and North Korea sit atop the table with 9 points each, while Mongolia remains in striking distance with 6.
| POS | TEAM | RESULTS | GF/GA | POINTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 32:4 | 9 |
| 2 | North Korea | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30:9 | 9 |
| 3 | Mongolia | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 27:15 | 6 |
| 4 | Hongkong | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 24:16 | 3 |
| 5 | Philippines | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 10:39 | 0 |
| 6 | Singapore | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3:43 | 0 |
52-Year-Old Hong Kong Goalie Makes Ice Hockey History
Hong Kong goaltender Emerson Keung made history by becoming the oldest player ever to appear in a men’s IIHF World Championship game at the age of 52. He stopped 9 out of 10 shots in a dominant 17–2 win over the Philippines.
Keung has represented Hong Kong since 2011. According to Hockey Worldwide, he surpassed the previous record held by Anthony London, a former Bosnia and Herzegovina international, who played as a 51-year-old in 2023.
Promotion Spot Likely to Be Decided in Final Game
If both Mexico and North Korea continue their unbeaten runs in their next games, the final-day showdown on May 3 between the two will likely determine who gets promoted to Division III A in 2026. Mexico will have home advantage, but North Korea has impressed so far with 30 goals in just three games.
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