South Africa's ice hockey team stuns Bosnia in IIHF World Championship victory
Rocket the Rhino, the national ice hockey team mascot, joins the South African senior men’s squad for a group photo following their 5–3 win against Turkmenistan at the IIHF World Championship Division III Group A, which concluded at GrandWest on Sunday.
Image: Fuad Esack
In a thrilling conclusion to their IIHF World Championship Division III Group A campaign, South Africa's ice hockey team secured a dramatic 4–3 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
After a slow start to their campaign, losing their opening matches against Mexico (5-4), Thailand (7-3), and Turkey (8-1), the hosts bounced back with a 5-3 win against Turkmenistan and Sunday’s upset against Bosnia and Herzegovina, who finished second to champions Turkey in the overall standings. For Team South Africa, the win at the Ice Station at Grandwest meant securing their spot in the division
For South Africa, Duvan van der Merwe scored the opening goal in the first period; Daanyal Kamish and Stefan Kluyts scored one each in the second period, and Alex Obery netted the winner in the third and final period.
Team SA faced Thailand in a difficult encounter in their second match at the IIHF Division III Group A World Championship at GrandWest, going down 7–3.
Image: Fuad Esack
Following defeats in their opening matches, Team SA came up against eventual champions Turkey, who beat them 8-1.
Image: Fuad Esack
SA captain Uthman Samaai facing off against his opponent during his side's match against Thailand, at the IIHF World Championship Division III Group A tournament, at Grandwest.
Image: Fuad Esack
A bumper crowd turned up to catch Team SA in action at the IIHF World Championship Division III Group A tournament, at Grandwest.
Image: Fuad Esack
South Africa captain Uthman Samaai slips past his marker during his side’s 4–3 win in the final IIHF World Championship Division III Group A match against Bosnia and Herzegovina at GrandWest on Sunday.
Image: Fuad Esack
Rocket the Rhino joins spectators on the stand during Sunday's final IIHF World Championship Division III Group A match between South Africa Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Image: Fuad Esack