Kazakhstan thrashed Japan 6-0 in its second World Championship match in Division One, setting up the next game vs Poland.
Kazakhstan didn’t just win its second match at the 2026 World Championship in Division One, it took control early and never let go.
In the meeting against Japan, Misryoum reports that the national team made adjustments in its line-up. In particular, in goal, Nikita Boyarkin replaced Andrey Shutov, with Misryoum noting that Boyarkin took the net for the match.
The first period was active for Kazakhstan, with more shots on target than their opponents. Both teams managed a power play apiece, but the scoreboard stayed blank after the initial 20 minutes.
After that scoreless start, the match quickly turned into a one-sided affair, showing how a small shift in momentum can reshape a game.
Kazakhstan finally broke through in the second period just two minutes in. Alikhan Omirbekov set up Artur Gatiyatov, who fed Dinmukhamed Kairzhan, and the forward finished confidently against the Japanese goalkeeper.
A second goal arrived on the seventh minute as well. Misryoum reports that Artur Gatiyatov and Ansar Shaikhmenddenov turned a takeaway into a two-on-one rush, and Shaikhmenddenov scored on the quick pass.
The third goal came by the 13th minute, with Artur Gatiyatov contributing heavily in the attack. Misryoum describes his third-period involvement as he recorded a hat-trick through assists, including a strong shot by Dmitry Breus into the top corner.
Kazakhstan kept piling on in the final period too. On the 13th minute, a power play was converted when Arkady Shestakov set up Samat Danyar, and Alihan Asetov tipped the puck to extend the lead.
Two minutes later, the team scored again after a turnover in its own zone. Misryoum notes that Shestakov’s pass led to a setup for Roman Starchenkо, who, as captain, put the puck into the net. Shortly after, a sixth goal followed as Kirill Lyapunov finished off a play at the crease.
In the end, the match finished 6-0 in Kazakhstan’s favor. Kazakhstan will play its next game on Tuesday, May 5, against Poland, while Japan is coming off a loss to France, 3-4.
For teams in Division One, results like this matter not only for points, but also for confidence going into the next round of match-ups.