Japan Opens Women's Ice Hockey World Championship with Victory Over Norway

In the Czech Republic, Japan secured a decisive 5-2 victory against Norway in their opening match of the women's ice hockey world championship. The game, part of Group B, saw Japan, ranked seventh in the world, take control after a competitive start.

The second period proved crucial, with Mei Miura's goal putting Japan ahead 3-2. Riri Noro also contributed a goal, assisted by Suzuka Maeda. Norway, ranked fourteenth, had initially taken the lead early in the first period with a goal from Andrea Dalen. Marthe Brunvold later tied the score at 2-2, after Japan had briefly taken the lead with goals from Akane Hosoyamada and Rui Ukita.

Japan maintained their momentum throughout the game, culminating in a solo goal by Akane Shiga in the third period, solidifying their comfortable win. Shiga expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, highlighting their ability to play at their preferred pace and expressing a desire to take more shots in future games.

The preliminary round format involves two groups of five nations competing in a round-robin format. The top three teams from Group B, which includes lower-ranked countries, will advance to the quarterfinals. Japan's upcoming matches will be against Hungary, Sweden, and Germany. The team is aiming to reach the tournament's semi-finals for the first time.