Slovakia Edge Norway 2-1 in Group B Opener

Slovakia opened their 2026 IIHF World Championship with a 2-1 win over Norway at BCF Arena in Fribourg on Saturday. Marek Hrivik's third-period strike broke a tie and gave the Slovaks three points to open Group B play. A crowd of 4,711 watched the visitors outshoot Slovakia 23-19 but fall just short on the scoreboard.

Kristian Pospisil opened the scoring at 8:15 of the first period, with brother Martin Pospisil and Samuel Kňažko picking up the assists. Norway responded with one of the latest possible answers: Tinus Luc Koblar tied it at 19:47 of the middle period from Eskild Bakke Olsen to keep the visitors in striking distance.

Hrivik regained the lead at 8:07 of the third period with assists from Adam Liska and Mislav Rosandic. Norway pulled Tobias Normann for an extra attacker at 58:56 but Slovakia weathered the storm to seal the 2-1 win.

Samuel Hlavaj earned the win with 22 saves on 23 shots. Normann took the loss with 17 saves on 19. Slovakia's special teams were perfect on the day, with both teams shut out on the power play.

Slovakia continue at BCF Arena on Sunday at 12:20 CET against Italy. Norway have the day off before facing Slovenia on Monday.