With the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division III Group A underway in Zagreb, Matea Marinkovic delivered a determined performance for Croatia in the round-robin clash against Bulgaria on February 24, turning a routine tournament fixture into a showcase of home-ice intensity.
Playing at Admiral Ice Dome, Marinkovic was frequently involved in the flow of play, pressing the puck wide, battling through traffic, and helping Croatia maintain its structure against a disciplined Bulgarian side. Her work rate reflected the urgency of a host nation eager to make its mark in front of a local crowd.
For Croatia, moments like this carry extra weight. Hosting a world championship group gives players a rare opportunity to compete on an international stage without leaving home, and the energy inside the rink added a sharp edge to every shift. Marinkovic’s presence helped set that tone, combining composure on the puck with a direct, hard-skating approach.
The Zagreb tournament is part of the IIHF’s 2026 Women’s World Championship Division III program, with Group A teams meeting in round-robin play across the week. Croatia’s matchup with Bulgaria was one of several games scheduled at Admiral Ice Dome as the standings begin to take shape.
Whether measured by puck battles won, smart positioning, or the ability to keep Croatia pushing forward, Marinkovic’s contribution captured the spirit of the occasion: committed, competitive, and driven by the chance to represent Croatia on home ice in a major international tournament.
