Hosts Slovenia will face Ukraine in a showdown for gold and promotion on the final day of the 2024 Ice Hockey U20 World Championship, Division 1B in Bled, Slovenia.

In the three-way relegation battle Estonia, Croatia and Poland all fight to avoid the drop. Estonia will take on Croatia and Poland will lock horns with bronze medalists Italy.

Following a day´s rest, the tournament concludes on Sunday.

POLAND 0, ESTONIA 3

A Nikita Stepanov´s hat-trick proved the difference in an even match-up boosting Estonia´s survival hopes in Division 1B.

Bottom of the pile going into Day 4, Estonia desperately needed points on board.

Just 75 seconds into the tie, a Narva-born duo combined to settle Baltic nerves. David Timofejev cut around Igor Tyczynski’s net and sent a pass to Stepanov who converted for Estonia´s opener.

Fjodor Aganezovs played another blinder in Estonia´s net and earned a shutout with 32 saves. With Poland piling on the pressure in the final frame, Stepanov raced clear on a breakaway to dispatch an accomplished finish through the pads of Tyczynski at 47:39

Being one of eight players on the Estonian roster playing for Finnish club teams, Stepanov grabbed his third of the afternoon with an empty netter 1:12 left of the game.

With a paltry five goals scored in four games, Poland is in desperate need of a final-day win and other results to go their way to avoid dropping down a division.

UKRAINE 5, CROATIA 2

Four unanswered third-period goals helped Ukraine roar back from being 1-2 down to remain undefeated in Group 1B.

Just as in last night´s late rally, Ukraine´s revival was once again sparked by their top scorer Mykyta Sydorenko. Against Croatia, the lanky 19-year-old forward first tied the game on a penalty shot and then scored the vital 4-2 goal for Ukraine at 49:12.

Winning the shots 49-25, Mykyta Polonytsky, Olexi Dakhnovsky and Olexander Shapovalov were also on target for Ukraine.

Eight players remain from last year´s roster when Ukraine finished second. A win against Slovenia will be required to leapfrog the hosts to top-spot on Sunday.

Karlo Marinkovic and Niksa Juric tallied for Croatia in the second period. Omar Zdralovic recorded 44 saves in the Croatian net.

ITALY 1, SLOVENIA 5

Filip Sitar scored twice, Lan Kavcic had 13 saves and the Slovenians moved one game closer to a sweep securing an instant return to Division 1A.

Lovro Kumanovic and Mark Sever also tallied for Slovenia in the clash between the neighbours. Anze Zezelj was also on target for the hosts to extend his goal-scoring streak to four games. 

Alessandro Segafredro netted Italy´s lone marker on a 2-on-1 rush assisted by Tommaso De Luca at 21:16.

The loss means Italy is now out of contention for gold or silver. Heading into their final game Giorgio De Bettin´s coached team has already secured a bronze medal for the second consecutive season.