GB remain unbeaten through opening two games

Photo: Dean Woolley

Great Britain's hopes of an immediate return to the top level of world ice hockey remain on track after two wins from two in their opening fixtures at the 2023 IIHF World Championships Division 1 A tournament in Nottingham.

After the opening-day blanking of Korea, Pete Russell's side came through against a tricky Team Poland in overtime to stay unbeaten. Having gone 3-1 ahead in period two thanks to Cade Neilson and Liam Kirk, GB saw that two-goal lead evaporate in the third, with Kirk's hitting of the post at 3-2 a chance to put the game to bed. A late powerplay set GB up for the chance to win it late, which they took when Pawel Dronia's attempted clearance saw him fire the puck into his own net with 90 seconds to play. A late Polish equaliser that looped over Ben Bowns saw the game head into overtime, but a wonderful passing play set up Ben Lake for the winner at 62:35.

With two regulation wins from their opening pair of games, Italy lead the standings, followed by GB a point back and Poland on four points. GB play Italy in their final game, but know wins against Lithuania and Romania before then should see them already promoted.