Luxembourg’s Red Lions face a stern test in Istanbul as they defend their sensational bronze from last year’s Division 3A World Championship. Playing the first games agains three pre-tournament favourites—hosts Turkey, 2024 silver medallists Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan—our Lions have endured a tough opening trio of games.

In their curtain-raiser, hosts Turkey—relegated from Division 2B in 2024—flexed their muscles with a 7–1 victory. Despite Luxembourg’s resilience, the home side showcased their superior depth and home-ice advantage. Next up was Kyrgyzstan, last year’s silver medallists, who ran out 6–0 winners against our Red Lions, highlighting the fine margins at this level.

“There’s a clear difference in quality,” admitted coach Christer Eriksson after the first two games, “but we already stepped up in the second match compared with the first, where we were very nervous and passive. We matched them better for two periods until our legs gave out in the third.”

The third outing offered the brightest spark of hope. Luxembourg raced into a 2–1 lead through two periods against Turkmenistan, showing the attacking flair that earned them bronze in 2024. But the Lions ran out of gas in the final frame and ultimately succumbed 8–3 to a resilient Turkmenistan side.

Eriksson was heartened by the emergence of young talent: “It’s excellent to see the next generation taking on key roles—Alex Mykkänen, Lenny Braun, Philippe Vincens., Kristian Potucek, Charley Springer and Joaquim Nunes, to name a few. Having three complete national teams (U18, U20 and seniors) gives us the platform to build for the future.”

With the top three sides looking likely to contest promotion, Luxembourg’s immediate focus is survival. Friday’s clash with South Africa, followed by Sunday’s showdown against Bosnia-Herzegovina, will decide which of these three teams stay up and which drops into regional competition. Both matches are within reach for the Lions and offer a real chance to bring back the same fighting spirit that delivered bronze in 2024.

Key Dates for the Red Lions:
Friday, April 25 vs. South Africa
Sunday, April 27 vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina

Every goal, every save and every point will count as Luxembourg battles to remain in 3A. Fans can follow live scores, standings and statistics on the IIHF’s official tournament page: IIHF TV

Let’s rally behind Christer Eriksson and the Red Lions in Istanbul—your support could be the extra energy they need to turn the tide and secure their place in 3A for another year!