KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

First time lucky.

The Philippine men’s ice hockey team made history by winning the gold medal in the 2023 IIHF World Championship Division IV in its first try in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

The Filipinos finished the tournament undefeated after beating teams from Kuwait, Mongolia and Indonesia.

They first blanked Indonesia, 14-0 then squeaked past Mongolia in overtime, 7-6; before thumping Kuwait, 5-1.

The victory promoted the squad to the Division III B in 2024.

Eishner Sibug also went home with the Defenseman Award while five Filipinos were among the scoring leaders in the tournament with Manvil Billones tallying12 points overall.

Kenwrick Ze emerged second best with 11 followed by Steven Fuglister and Carl Montano (with 10 each) and Jan Regencia (6).