VENTSPILS, Latvia -- North Dakota's Jorid Dagfinrud and Andrea Dalen led Norway to a second-place finish in the International Ice Hockey Federations World Championship (Division I) that concluded today.
Norway finished the tournament with a 4-1 record with one shootout win for 11 points, edged by the Czech Republic who also had a 4-1 record but all in regulation.
With the tournament win, the Czech Republic will advance to the top division for next year's 2013 IIHF World Championship in Ottawa, Ontario, replacing the relegation loser from this year's 2012 World Championship that starts April 7 in Burlington, Vt.
Dagfinrud (Sarpsborg, Norway) was named the best player of her team as voted by the tournament's coaches starting four of her team's five games with a 3-1 record including one shutout. She had a 1.24 goals against average and a .924 save percentage.
Dalen (Honefoss, Norway) led the tournament in points (nine) and plus/minus rating (+1) and was tied for lead in goals (four) and assists (five).
Final Ranking:
1. Czech Republic 12
2. Norway 11
3. Japan 9
4. Austria 6
5. Latvia 5
6. Kazakhstan 2
