Team Austria went into the 2025 Women’s World Championships Division 1A with one goal: to make history. With a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the Netherlands on April 17th, they did just that, earning the team’s first-ever promotion to the Top Division in Women’s Worlds. They followed it up with a victory against France to take gold and finish the tournament undefeated.
Defender Antonia Matzka, nine-year Team Austria veteran, former PHF player, and first-ever Austrian Women’s Hockey League (AWHL) champion with SKN Sabres St. Pölten, assisted the team’s first goal against France in their gold medal win. The Ice Garden spoke to Matzka during the Division 1A tournament, both before and after her team’s historic run.
TIG: Austria has yet to break out of Division 1A. What do you think the team needs to do this tournament to break through and have a shot at the Top Division?
AM: To finally get promoted to the top division after many years in Division 1A, we need to play our fast, simple, and physical game consistently throughout all five games. We have gotten very close in past tournaments with several silver and bronze medals, but have always had a game or two where we let up and then are missing those points in the final standings.
TIG: How do you see the formation of the AWHL contributing to Austria’s ability to compete internationally at this tournament or future tournaments? How does the league fit into developing Austrian players domestically?
AM: The AWHL has been a big step professionalizing women’s hockey in Austria. The goal that we are working towards is to build up five teams throughout Austria that can offer players at all ages the best environment to develop. I think we have seen the effects already – in comparison to a few years ago, all national team players are at a much higher level both physically and mentally, so better prepared to compete in an intense tournament like these World Championships.
TIG: What’s been your favorite country to travel to for Worlds, and why?
AM: Honestly Shenzhen, China has been my favorite place to travel to for Worlds. It’s such an awesome experience getting to be in China with my teammates and travel to a country where most of us have never been and probably would never go to if it wasn’t for hockey.
It’s been super fun exploring the city of Shenzhen and being here for a second time already. Aside from that, the tournament is also organized really well and all the outside factors are great – the hotel, the rink, the tournament staff are the best they can be.
TIG: How would you describe this Austrian team to the readers and fans? What should they expect to see?
AM: I would describe our team as energetic, dynamic, and fun. We have a really young group that brings speed, intensity and a high compete level. Additionally, we have extraordinary talent and skill on our team including two PWHL players, so when we bring our best game we are a really fun team to watch.