Astana, Kazakhstan, September 4, 2024: It was heartbreak for Kazakhstan’s men’s ice hockey team as they fell at the final hurdle of qualifying for the Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Kazakhstan was beaten 3-1 by Slovakia in their final International Ice Hockey Federation Olympic qualifiers in Bratislava on Sunday, September 1.
Kazakhstan had earlier defeated Hungary and Austria in their group, but Slovakia, bronze medallists in Beijing 2022, were too strong and powerful with their National Hockey League star power ensuring victory and a berth at the Milano Cortina Games.
Kazakhstan’s solitary goal was scored by Nikita Mikhailis, who had an excellent campaign scoring four goals in three matches.