Canadian fans figure to get a chance to see Slovakian phenom Nela Lopusanova in person at next year’s U18 women’s world hockey championship.
Lopusanova, 16, had a goal and an assist to lead Slovakia to a 5-1 win over Japan in the relegation game at this year’s tournament in Vantaa, Finland, on Saturday.
With the win, Slovakia keeps its spot in the top division for next year’s tournament in Canada. Hockey Canada has said a host site will be announced in spring.
Lopusanova, who will remain eligible for next year’s event, has a tourney-leading 11 points (five goals, six assists) in five games this year.
Two years ago, at age 14, Lopusanova led the U18 championship in scoring.
Lopusanova is playing high school hockey at Bishop Kearney in Rochester, N.Y. She is slated to begin playing in the NCAA at Wisconsin in 2026.
Unfortunately for fans, Slovakia did not qualify for the top division of the world women’s hockey championship in April in Czechia.
Slovakia will try to qualify for next year’s worlds at a tournament in China in April.
