The German women's U18 national team narrowly lost their opening game at the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship (Division I, Group A) in Italy. The team, coached by Sebastian Jones, fell 1-2 in overtime (0-0, 1-0, 0-1, 0-1) to France after taking an early lead. Alexandra Boico scored Germany's goal at the Arena Ritten.
The German team started the match well, with Annika Stephainski having the first chance after a counter-attack (3rd minute). The German U18 women played with high pressure going forward, and in the 7th minute Sara Weichenhain narrowly missed giving them the lead from close range. But then the DEBThe team received several penalties – but defended strongly while shorthanded. In the 12th minute, the French made their first move: Manon Demessine pushed the puck past the DEBThe net was closed. Germany dominated again towards the end of the period. Anabel Seyrer appeared dangerously in the opposing slot again shortly before the break – the score remained 0-0.
In the second third, the DEBThe German team maintained their lead. Alexandra Boico came close in the 24th minute, but France's goalie Lysa Nogaretto made the save. The German team dominated, repeatedly winning back possession of the puck quickly. Sara Weichenhain had the next opportunity, but missed a rebound (28th minute). Then, in the 31st minute, Alexandra Boico deflected a long-range shot from Rebekka Multerer into the net for a well-deserved lead. Only the French goalie prevented further German goals. DEBGoalkeeper Tara Bach had had a quiet afternoon up to that point.
That was about to change in the final period. France was awarded an early power play, and after a one-timer, the puck rebounded off Albane Bernel's upper body and into the German net (42nd minute). Sebastian Jones' team responded well, however, and immediately switched back to offense. But the game became increasingly open, with both goaltenders coming into focus. For the German U18 women, Sarah Pamula had a good chance on the power play (51st minute), and in the 57th minute, Tara Bach thwarted a 2-on-1 situation against Clemence Boudin. The game went to overtime. And there, the French forward was on hand – after a back pass, the wide-open Boudin fired home the game-winning goal for France, making it 2-1.
As the best DEB-Player Mathilda Heine was honored.
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U18 women’s national coach Sebastian Jones: "At the start of the first period, we needed some time to find our rhythm. We weren't quite able to maintain our structure. In the second period, we found our footing much better and were able to take control. We had numerous scoring opportunities and deservedly took a 1-0 lead. Unfortunately, we then failed to extend it. In the final period, we conceded the equalizer while shorthanded, making it 1-1, and then conceded the game-winning goal to the French team in overtime, winning 2-1. Overall, it was a decent game, but our many penalties repeatedly gave the opponent more opportunities. We'll learn from this, recover well, and go into tomorrow's game fully focused."
Official statistics for the game: IIHF – FRA – GER 01/12/2026 – 2026 IIHF ICE HOCKEY U18 WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Division I, Group A – Game Center Statistic