BREAKING: Unheralded Kazakhstan Defeats Norway 2-1 in 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Opener; Rookies and Veterans Spark Upset
H2: Kazakhstan’s pluckier-than-expected surprise victory over Norway in World Championship debut
In a captivating ice hockey clash at the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Herning, underdogs Kazakhstan upset Norway 2-1, thanks to a:
H3: Stellar goaltending and rookies’ resilience
- Gutsy goalie performance: Maxim Pavlenko, a 22-year-old making his World Championship debut in the absence of senior keepers, stole the show with sensational saves. He plays club hockey in the modest surroundings of Russia’s second-tier VHL. (Learn more about this lowest-to-highest rise in our ‘Rising Stars’ series.)
- Rookie goals: Roman Starchenko, the team’s veteran captain, tied the game in the second period. Another rookie, Vladimir Volkov, scored the winner midway through the third, putting Kazakhstan ahead for the first time.
H3: A scrappy start and Norway’s early lead
The game began chaotically with numerous icings, but Norway settled first:
- In the fifth minute, Thomas Olsen’s post-shot rebound was snuffed out by Tamirlan Gaitamirov.
- Norway took the lead through Johannes Johanneson, who exploited a rebound and made his new fatherhood even sweeter. ( Gadget about Johanneson’s big week here.)
H3: Kazakhstan’s comeback
Down but not out, Kazakhstan stormed back:
- Power play tie: In the second period, Starchenko’s clinical finish, set up by Nikita Mikhailis’ deft pass, levelled the game.
- Volkov’s debut winner: Alikhan Asetov’s blocked shot found its way to Volkov, who buried it for his first IIHF World Championship goal.
H3: Pavlenko’s heroics secure victory
With Kazakhstan clinging to a one-goal lead, Pavlenko saved the day:
- He denied Andreas Martinsen twice on a Norway power play withunning glove saves.
- From point-blank range, he improvised a stunning behind-the-back save to keep the puck out.
H3: Late drama, then relief
- With Adil Beketayev in the box, Norway pulled their goalie, but Pavlenko held firm to preserve Kazakhstan’s hard-fought victory.
H3: Did you know?
🔸 Pavlenko’s heroics broke Norway’s perfect record against Kazakhstan, ending a four-game win streak.
🔸 Both goalies – Pavlenko and Tobias Normann – were making their World Championship debuts.
🔸 This victory catapults Kazakhstan above Norway in the standings, improving their chances for a top playoff spot.
H2: FAQs
Q: Who led Kazakhstan’s comeback?
A: Rookies Vladimir Volkov and goalie Maxim Pavlenko, along with veteran captain Roman Starchenko.
Q: How did Kazakhstan fare against Norway historically?
A: Before this match, Norway had won the last four encounters against Kazakhstan.
Q: What’s next for Kazakhstan?
A: They face France next, aiming to build on this upset win.
H2: Final thoughts
Kazakhstan’s spirited performance and stunning victory raise intriguing questions about their potential to shock bigger nations in the later stages of the tournament. With bold goalkeeping and rookies’ resilience, they could yet make history in Herning.