Great Britain’s Under 18’s went into their final fixture of the Division 2 – Group A World Championships in Estonia, in second place in the standings, however a 5-3 defeat at the hands of fourth placed Croatia saw their hopes of a medal disappear.
An early powerplay in the opening spell of play gifted GB their first real opportunity. Having gained the puck off the offensive face-off Jordan Cownie worked the puck around the boards to Bobby Chamberlain who moved into position behind the Croatia net. With Lewis Hook unmarked in front of goal, a well placed pass from Chamberlain saw Hook’s one-time shot float past Vilim Rosandic for a 1-0 lead.
Croatia did not stay behind for long and just under three minutes later were level in the game. With Declan Balmer holding the puck behind the GB net, Luka Jarcov rushed in unseen from the left. Grabbing possession of the puck he worked his way around the boards, find a gap to break inside the zone to flick a shot off at Adam Goss. Whilst Goss was up to the task of saving the first wrist shot the rebound fell in front to Ivan Jankovic who made no mistake in finding the back of the net.
With the scores level, neither side could find a break in the game to grab the go ahead goal, and the teams retired to the dressing rooms at one a piece.
From the drop of the puck for the second period GB were once again on it and looked the better of the two sides. Just over two minutes into the period and GB were once again in front. Basingstoke Bison’s Cameron Wynn breaking down the left hand side; 2-on-1. With a deked pass across ice his wrister found the gap needed to find the back of the net; for his first goal of the tournament.
Basingstoke Bison’s Cameron Wynn bagged his first goal of the tournament against Croatia.
Having taken the lead GB kept their foot on the gas looking to extend it further, however the game remained close and the next goal did not come until past the mid-way point of the game. However it was not in favour of GB as Croatia were able to bring the game level for the second time in the game.
With Jonathan Kirk called for boarding at 31:43, Croatia took the advantage on the powerplay. Despite numerous chances during the two-minute period, it wasn’t until 13 seconds from GB returning to full strength that Croatia were able to break the deadlock. Some sweet tic-tac-toe passing around the right of the offensive zone saw the puck fall to an unmarked Renato Platuzic to the right of net. Passing in front a quick shot from Martin Milic saw the scores level at two.
Once again GB ran into penalty trouble, with Chamberlain called for charging at 34:59 and once again Croatia were able to take advantage on the powerplay to take a one goal lead. With an offensive zone face-off win, Croatia were able to work the puck well in the zone, with simple passing on the right. A slap shot from Jarcov saw Goss sprawling in the goal mouth to make the pad save, but the puck deflected behind to Platuzic who slotted a back hand shot under Goss to make it 3-2.
Despite their own powerplay chance in the final minutes of the period, GB were unable to find an equalising goal and so they ended the period one goal down.
GB started the third period with 11 seconds remaining on the powerplay, however a shaky start was only made worse when Croatia extended their lead to two goals inside the opening minute of the period. An offensive zone face-off following an icing call from GB saw Croatia once again win possession. With the puck passed back to the blueline, Martin Plesko fired a strong wrist shot at Goss, unable to make the glove save the puck bounced back out onto the ice and Jankovic was able to slot the puck home for his second of the game.
Just over a minute later and Croatia ran into penalty trouble, gifting GB their best chance of getting back in the game. Firstly Josip Jazbec was called for holding an opponent at 41:24. Just over a minute into the powerplay and GB were given a 5-on-3 opportunity with Bruno Kegalj sitting out two minutes for boarding. With GB sending out their best PP unit it was inevitable that goals would follow and it took just 14 seconds for the goal light to shine out.
An offensive zone face-off win saw Hook take control of the puck on the boards. Finding space he worked the puck back to Cownie on the blueline. With a cross ice pass to Basingstoke’s Matt Selby he was able to work inside the zone and find Chamberlain in space to the left. Winding up a wrist shot, it was direct and forceful, leaving Rosandic no chance of a save; reducing Croatia’s lead to just one with the majority of the period still to play.
With the early reply goal to reduce the lead, GB were fired up and went looking for the equalising goal with chance after chance. However against the run of play it was Croatia that would score next. Fran Gjoni firing home a pass in front of net to grab the game winning goal and put the game just out of reach for GB.
Having gone into the match hopeful of a medal it was a disappointing blow to lose the final game 5-3. Despite not winning the Group or even getting a medal it was still a fantastic tournament for GB’s under 18s and a step in the right direction. In last year’s World Championship tournament GB finished fourth with one win and one overtime win for just 5 points. They were beaten 7-3 by Lithuania who this year lost 3-2 to the Britons. However in last year’s tournament GB crushed Croatia 6-0 and will feel disappointed that they were unable to repeat that performance.
Despite a 6-2 loss to favourites Hungary, all of GB’s games were close and showed that each year all the teams are progressing and improving and we must follow suit and continue to develop our youth.
However we send out our congratulations to all involved with the Under 18s and to all the travelling fans who supported the boys!!
Through the Plexi 