World Para Ice Hockey Championships B-Pool
17-22 September

Ostersund 2021: Get to know Poland

Polish Para ice hockey team will aim to finish on the podium for only the second time in its history at the World Championships B-Pool 08 Sep 2021
Imagen
Para ice hockey player pushing another player to the fence
Poland has been able to stay in the B-Pool for more than a decade, showcasing its consistency
ⒸRalf Kuckuck/NPC Germany
By Stuart Lieberman | For World Para Ice Hockey

The 2021 World Para Ice Hockey Championships B-Pool will take place from 17-22 September in Ostersund, Sweden.

Six teams will compete, with the top three finishers advancing to the Paralympic Qualification Tournament later this year, and the top two finishers also being promoted to the A-Pool for the 2022-23 season.

Follow along as we break down what you need to know about each team.

Background: Poland will aim to finish on the podium for only the second time in its history at the World Championships B-Pool, and is still searching for its first Paralympic appearance in the sport. While Poland carries a small roster, it has been able to stay in the B-Pool for more than a decade, showcasing its consistency.

World Ranking: 13th

World Championships History:
2019 B-Pool: 5th place
2015 B-Pool: 4th place
2013 B-Pool: 6th place
2012 B-Pool: 4th place
2009 B-Pool: 3rd place
2008 B-Pool: 4th place

Athlete to Watch: Sylwester Flis was Poland’s top scorer at the 2019 World Championships B-Pool and previously played for the United States. He was a member of the US team back when it won gold at the Salt Lake City 2002 Paralympic Games and has a wealth of experience he can bring to his native country. Now 47 years old, the defender will try perhaps one last time to make the Paralympics again.

Matchup to Watch: Poland vs. Finland at 10:00 on 22 September will mark the first time the two teams meet at the World Championships B-Pool and it could be a pretty even matchup. The game will come on the final day of play, meaning it could play a late factor in who advances to the Paralympic Qualification Tournament.

Poland roster:

Goaltenders:
Krzysztof Sekulski
Kamil Zgorzynski

Defensemen:
Sylwester Flis
Sebastian Kartosz

Forwards:
Marcin Hebda
Lukasz Ciula
Radoslaw Drapala
Mateusz Murawski
Mariusz Zielinski
Szymon Hak