Denmark Beats Italy in Shootout to Stay in Top Division in IIHF 2026

Denmark edges Italy in shootout to stay in Top Division

Denmark holds off Italy comeback to avoid relegation. Russell’s shootout goal secures Denmark’s spot for 2027.

Denmark outshot Italy in the third period but needed a shootout win after a draw in regulation...

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Denmark held off Italy 3-2 in a shootout on Sunday to keep their place in the top division for 2027. Patrick Russell was the only player to convert in the penalty shootout.

Tommy Purdeller scored twice for Italy in regulation, while Christian Wejse and Mikkel Aagaard found the net for Denmark.

Denmark had won six of the previous seven World Championship meetings with Italy going into the game. They started strongly when Christian Wejse raced down the wing and scored to put Denmark 1-0 up at 2:33.

Italy had barely settled after the early goal when Denmark struck again. Just 16 seconds later, Mikkel Aagaard drove to the net and one-timed the puck in to make it 2-0. The goal gave Aagaard his ninth point of the tournament.

After Denmark’s strong start, Italy controlled the second period. Italy outshot Denmark 13-5 in the first 15 minutes and tied the game before the third period with two goals from Tommy Purdeller.

Purdeller scored on a one-timer over a diving Mads Sogaard at 1:17 during an early power play. With 4:26 left in the period, he beat Sogaard high with a wrist shot from the left faceoff circle to make it 2-2.

Denmark secures their second win at the 2026 #MensWorlds! 🇩🇰💪 #IIHF @dkishockey

🔗 Game recap: https://t.co/Bm8RAyQnoy pic.twitter.com/XvEF567hso

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 24, 2026

Denmark took charge in the third period and outshot Italy 5-2 in the middle of the frame but could not convert their advantage. Patrick Russell then secured the win for Denmark in the shootout.