GB narrowly beaten by Denmark

Photo: Dean Woolley

Great Britain came close to their first points of the 2024 IIHF World Championships, but fell a goal short against Denmark on Friday night.

Liam Kirk broke GB's two-game goal drought with a neat wrap-around early in the first, but Mikkel Aagaard shooting into a gaping cage followed by  Phillip Bruggisser's shot through traffic had Denmark ahead inside nine minutes. Cade Neilson's excellent deflection off his skate from Evan Mosey's well-spotted pass tied the game at 10:34.

Aagaard's second of the game put Denmark back ahead in period two, but GB were level heading into the second break thanks to a Nathanael Halbert shot through a screen with 1:26 left in the period.

Christian Wejse converted on the powerplay to put Denmark back ahead at 52:01, while GB were unable to convert on two opportunities, including some brief 5-on-3 time, and narrowly went down by the single goal.

 "I'm really proud of the team. They just made me nearly cry if I'm honest. We just played a really good hockey team and played them off the ice in some situations," said Head Coach Pete Russell. "That's one of the best performances we've ever had since I have been coaching this team. We had huge energy and managed to bring so much momentum to the game.

"We had so many chances and their goalie was unbelievable. It just shows you what this team can do. Everyone connected with GB and the whole country should be so proud of that performance."