The Ice Blacks have had to settle for bronze on the world stage.
The side was beaten 4-2 by Iceland in its final match of the IIHF division 2B world championships in Mexico City yesterday.
New Zealand entered the game in second place. Gold was out of reach due to Israel's win over Georgia taking it five points clear at the top.
However, with a three-point lead over Iceland and only one goal separating the teams on goal differential, silver was up for grabs.
Iceland proved too good, creating more chances and taking 39 shots to New Zealand's 23.
While the New Zealand defence did well to hold out 35 of those shots, it was unable to completely shut Iceland out.
The loss left the Ice Blacks with three wins and two losses at the tournament.
