GB face Japan in penultimate game of tournament

Great Britain’s senior mens team are set to face Japan later on today in their penultimate game of the Division 1A World Championship tournament in Budapest.

So far in the tournament GB have struggled against their opposition and are yet to secure their first points of the tournamnet following a 4-2 defeat to Hungary, 5-0 to Kazakhstan and 5-1 against Italy on Wednesday. Their rivals today are Japan who currently occupy 4th spot in the table after their sole victory against Korea on Wednesday.

GB started the tournament in high spirits and pushed Hungary all the way in their opening game on Sunday night; however they have been left in deep water following the tough defeats to Kazakhstan and Italy. Japan have also struggled so far in the tournament with defeats also to Kazakhstan and Italy and their only victory coming against the lowest ranked side Korea.

GB will also end the tournament tomorrow afternoon when they face Korea. As with GB themselves and also Japan, Korea have struggled to match the pace of the top 3 in the group, however were able to record an impressive shoot-out victory against Hungary on Monday. They currently sit just above GB in the group standings with 2 points and GB will surely be looking for two victories from the final games to make the jump above at least one if not both of their rivals.

Today’s game will once again be shown on Premier Sports live on Sky with a face-off time of 16:00. Tomorrow’s final game against Korea starts at 12:30.

GB blanked again by Kazakhstan in 5-0 drama

It was day two of the World Championships (Division 1A) in Budapest and Great Britain faced Kazakhstan, looking for their first win in the tournament.

The last time the two countries met the Kazakhs gave a fine performance to blank GB 6-0 in the final Olympic qualifiers in Latvia back in February.

With that, surely at the back of their minds, they went into the game hopeful of a better performance and a little bit of revenge.

The game started with the better chances going GB’s way. On three separate powerplay opportunities mid-way through the period, GB had their best chances; however Kazakh netminder Vitali Kolesnik was up to the task and kept his clean-sheet.

With it looking like the first period would end scoreless, the Kazakhs showed their prowess on offense and scored two late goals; just 19 seconds apart.

Collecting the puck from his own blueline, Konstantin Romanov skated through the neutral zone making an initial pass to Andrei Spiridonov who gained the zone. With Romanov clear of the last defender he skated in un-opposed and put the pack past Belfast Giants’ Stephen Murphy.

The second game moments later when Roman Savchenko made a diving poke check in his own zone to win the puck. Maxim Belyayev collected the puck and made a quick break down the right hand side, cutting inside he was knocked off the puck by Robert Dowd; but Ilya Solarev came from nowhere to fire the puck through traffic and past Murphy.

Matthew Myers battles for the puck during GB’s game against Kazakhstan

With a two goal deficit GB were not out of contention but had to create something big. They got an early opportunity just minutes into the second period on the powerplay. With the puck worked from behind GB’s net Colin Shields worked up centre ice and flicked the puck over to Dowd; with a backhand pass to Jonathan Weaver, the Nottingham Panther took a big slap shot from the blueline but was denied by the chest of Kolesnik.

Another chance and another missed opportunity came for GB. Ashley Tait worked the puck well from the corner and worked the puck to Phil Hill to the right of net. A sliding pass in front, through traffic, found its way to Danny Myers at the back door; but once again GB was to be denied by Kolesnik.

Despite looking the better team for the majority of the second period, GB hit penalty trouble late on, when David Clarke was called for cross-checking at 38:39. Less than 30 seconds later and GB were down to three men with Matthew Myers being called for delaying the game at 38:56. With the two man advantage the Kazakhs worked the puck well. With a big slap shot from the right face-off circle by Yevgeni Blokhin the puck was deflected off Murphy onto the backboards.
Dmitri Upper kept the puck in the zone and worked it back in front to Roman Savchenko who fired a strong wrist shot past Murphy on the glove side. The goal ended the second period and gave Kazakhstan a 3-0 lead heading into the final 20 minutes.

Robert Farmer and Ashley Tait battle for the puck in the corner.

The Kazakhs started the third period still on the powerplay. Working around the zone the puck was fed to Savchenko on the blueline. A big slap shot was deflected at first but found its way to Vadim Krasnolslobodtsev on the right and he left no doubt firing his shot past Murphy.

Mid-way through the third period and the Kazakhs almost made it 5-0. A well worked play saw Konstantin Savenkov break down the right after a long pass from his own zone. Skating in on Murphy the chasing Luke Boothroyd brought the Kazakh down and a penalty shot was awarded.

Savenkov stepped up and started zigzagging down centre ice. With a deke he fired the shot to Murphy’s right only to be denied by the post. Just over a minute later and the fifth goal did come; when Blokhin slotted home a pass at the back door with less than 10 minutes remaining. GB held on during the final phase to avoid any further heart break with the game ending 5-0.

Robert Dowd is tripped whilst working the puck in the zone.

It was a frustrating game for GB who looked the better side of the two for the majority of the game. However they were denied time and time again by Kolesnik and did not, despite their chances, look likely to beat the Kazakh goalie.
GB must now re-group and keep their heads held high ahead of their clash on Wednesday against Italy.
Kazakhstan and Italy have led the way so far in this tournament and GB will be hoping for a better performance to halt the winning run of their European neighbours.

After the game, David Longstaff said; “We did not deserve to lose that game in the way we did. We created so many chances but just could not find a way past their netminder. He had an excellent game and stopped us on so many occasions.”

“We can be proud of the way played the better hockey against a higher-ranked nation. There are plenty of positives despite the defeat. We will now rest up ahead of our next game.”

 

In the groups other games, Italy recorded their second victory of the tournament with a 4-1 beating over Japan. Whilst Korea gave the shock of the tournament so far coming back from 4-1 down to score three unanswered third period goals to tie the game. With overtime unable to find a winner, penalty shots were required where Korea overcame Hungary. This leaves GB in last place in the table and promotion hopes slipping away..

1.  Kazakhstan 6pts

2. Italy 6pts

3. Hungary 4pts

4. Korea 2pts

5. Japan 0pts

6. GBR 0pts

 

GB v Kazakhstan Updates – Period Three

Kazakhstan stretched their advantage further in the third period with the game ending a disappointing 5-0.
Inside the opening 2 minutes Vadim Krasnolobodtsev scores making it 4-0. With less than 10 minutes remaining Manchester Phoenix defenceman was called for hooking on a breakaway attempt and a penalty shot awarded. However Stephen Murphy was up to the task and denied Savenkov.

Less than 20 seconds later and Jonathan Weaver was also called for hooking gifting Kazakhstan a 5-on-3.
Just over a minute into the powerplay Yevgeni Blokhin scored the final goal of the game gifting Kazakhstan 5-0 victory and their second of the tournament.

GB v Kazakhstand Updates – Period Two

With the period looking like it would remain scoreless, with chances for both sides, Kazakhstan scored with 8 seconds remaining to lead 3-0 going into the third and final period. Roman Savchenko added to the first period strikes to give Kazakhstan the advantage.

GB v Kazakhstan Updates – Period One

In the second game of the World Championships in Budapest GB face Kazakhstan. However after the opening 20 minutes GB are 2-0 down with a big performance needed to get back in the game!!
Despite early penalty trouble for Kazakhstan they took the lead through Konstantin Romanov at 17:42. Just 19 seconds later and it was 2-0 when Ilya Solarev beat Stephen Murphy to double the lead.

GB suffer first game defeat to hosts.

Hungary 4 – 2 Great Britain

Great Britain opened their Division 1 A World Championship tournament in Budapest with a loss to the hosts, Hungary, in a 4-2 thriller.

The hosts had the better chances of the early exchange of the opening 20 minutes, however it was GB that got on the scoreboard first. With GB holding possession in the offensive zone, Ashley Tait fed the puck across ice to David Phillips on the blueline who fired a shot on goal. With Levente Szuper screened in front the shot floated through the five-hole to give them a 1-0 lead at 16:06.

GB celebrate the opening goal of the game against Hungary

The second period started with GB conceding their second penalty of the game as Jonathan Weaver was called for hooking. With the man advantage Hungary set about breaking down the GB defence. Working up the ice Marton Vas fed the puck to Balazs Ladanyi in the centre circle. Making his way to the left of the zone he centred the puck to the unmarked Gergo Nagy who one timed his shot past Stephen Murphy to level the scores early in the middle stanza.

Just before the mid-way point of the game Hungary took the lead for the first time. Janos Vas’ shot from the right was deflected away by Murphy but only as far as Marton Vas who fired the shot into the empty net from the left.

Less than two minutes later and GB were back in it at 2-2. Gaining the puck on the blueline Weaver made a quick pass to Rob Dowd who was rushing down centre ice. Despite a trip he was able to flick the puck on goal. With the initial shot blocked the puck bounced loose in front for Colin Shields to slot home and tie the scores.

Ladanyi put the hosts in front again at 36:37 for a lead they would not surrender. Working into the GB zone he fired a shot from the left face-off circle which was deflected past Murphy for 3-2. Hungary would have gone into the break with a two goal cushion, but their fourth effort was washed out, giving GB a glimmer of hope in the final 20 minutes.

Shortly after the break GB went close to equalising the scores once again when Matthew Myers big slap shot from centre ice only to be delfected away; but Phil Hill almost went close collecting the rebound and working his way around the back of the net, but Szuper was up to the task and the scores remained 3-2.

Hungary did grab a fourth in the game with less than 10 minutes to play. Arpad Mihaly worked behind the GB net before turning and releasing a shot on Murphy. With the shot going wide the puck worked is way around the boards to the blueline  where Andras Horvath slapped the puck back into the zone, despite a block by Robert Lachowicz the puck dribbled through to Ladislav Sikorcin, with a big slap shot the puck beat Murphy on stick side to make it 4-2.

GB had a late chance on the powerplay but couldn’t make it count and so the game ended with defeat.

Head Coach Tony Hand said to IHUK; “This was a performance to be proud of but sadly it did not go our way. We perhaps were not spot on offensively in the first period, but we got better as the game went on.

“The guys gave everything they had and threw their bodies on the line. We must not get too down and must lift ourselves now for tomorrow’s game.”

GB see themselves in 4th place in the group behind opening day winners Italy, Kazakhstan and Hungary.

Kazakhstan beat Japan in the opening game of the tournament 5-2, before Italy provided a clinicaly performance to romp to a 4-0 victory over Korea.

GB will face-off against Kazakhstan in the second game today, after Italy beat Japan 4-1 in the early game of the day.

The last time the two countrys met at the final Olympic qualification game in Latvia, Kazakhstan had the measure of GB and won 6-0. This is definitely something GB will be hoping to revenge when they take to the ice at 3pm.

Team GB to be shown on British Television

For the first time in its history the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship will be broadcast live on TV in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The 2013 World Championships, including Great Britain’s Division 1A games will be shown live on the Premier Sports channel. 

Premier Sports, is operated through Britain’s BSkyB platform (SKY), under channel #428. Infront Sports & Media, is the marketing partner of the IIHF and they secured the agreement with Premier Sports ahead of this week’s tournament in Hungary which will show GB’s games live and in full length. In addition to showing GB’s games live, they will also broadcast 20 games of the 2013 Ice Hockey World Championship taking place in Stockholm and Helsinki between 3rd and 19th May.

Premier Sports, is currently only available by subscription, and is received through satellite in over 10 million homes. The channel is no strange to Ice Hockey coverage, having broadcast games from the NHL, and the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship will slot nicely into it’s ever expanding sports portfolio.

It is a very clever move by the IIHF to bring both Team GB’s games, as well as the 2013 World Championships, into the British market. Although the coverage will only be available via Premier Sports satellite subscription channel it is a step in the right direction to raise the profile and interest in Ice Hockey in Britain. As shown with the 2012 summer Olympics in London, the nation get behind to support their national teams, even in sports they may not have a clear understanding of. Regardless if anyone knows what Ice Hockey is or how it is played, if viewers see that Team GB are competing they will most likely turn on and sit-back to watch.

There are only a few nagging issues in regards to the format of the deal; being only through a satellite subscription channel, you may lose the general viewing audience, with the potential that the only viewers will be those that know of the sport or already have the channel and kick back to watch. But as I said it is a step in the right direction to bring Ice Hockey to the forefront of sport in Britain.

The viewing schedule for the games is as follows;

Game 1 (14/04/13) – GB v Hungary (6:30pm)
Game 2 (14/04/13) – GB v Kazakhstan (3:00pm)
Game 3 (17/04/13) – GB v Italy (3:00pm)
Game 4 (19/04/13) – GB v Japan (3:00pm)
Game 5 (20/04/13) – GB v Korea (11:30am)

GB’s medal hopes dashed by Croatia

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!!

GB victorious over Romania

Great Britain’s under 18’s guaranteed themselves of a medal from the Division 2 – group A World Championships in Estonia with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Romania.

GB entered the game off their second victory against Lithuania and moved up to third in the table standings. Romania however were one point ahead of GB with two victories and an overtime loss.

The game started off evenly with both teams creating chances however the opening period remained scoreless.

Just minutes into the middle stanza and Romania opened the scoring with a well placed shot in front of Coventry’s Adam Goss. Pressure early in the period saw Romania gain an offensive zone face-off. Working the puck around the boards, Hunor Csergo made a back hand pass from behind the net to a waiting Balazs Peter who fired high above Goss for one goal lead.

With Romania holding the lead the pressure was on GB but the better chances were falling for the leaders.

GB held their nerve and entered the final period full of hope of a comeback. From the drop of the puck it seemed a different GB side had returned from the locker room and within 15 seconds Bobby Chamberlain set their intentions for the period ahead going close; only to be denied by Attila Adorjan.

The pressure remained high and early in the period Chamberlain was able to pull GB level. With GB rushing forward William Attwell’s centering pass found its way to the edge of the zone where Chamberlain gained control and took a shot towards goal. With the shot deflected onto the back boards Chamberlain chased down his own shot and re-gained possession behind net. Working round in front he roofed the puck above an out-stretched Adorjan glove to lele the scores at one a piece with over 16 minutes left in the period.

Despite chances for both sides neither could find the go head goal and the game drew to a conclusion on level terms. With the game at 4-on-4 for 5 extra minutes it was Romania again that had the better possession and chances in the offensive zone. But once again the teams could not be separated and the game moved on to penalty shots.

Csergo stepped up first for Romania, but his stick handling was too quick and as he approached Goss the puck worked loose from his stick for an easy save by the GB netminder.

Attwell was first up for GB but his deke to the right was to able to beat Adorjan’s stretched out pad. Romania’s captain Czabolcs Hilderbrand took to the ice for their second attempt but his shot did not get the better of Goss on the glove side.

Swindon Wildcat’s Oliver Betteridge was next up for GB. Skating down centre ice it appeared that his attempt was to draw the puck left but it bobbled away from his stick at the final moment for an easy save. Tamas Reszegh stepped up next for Romania but the youngster’s wrist shot was gloved saved by Goss to keep the scores level. Chamberlain was next for GB but as his team mates before him his shot could not find a break in Adorjan’s defences.

GB took the next penalty, which proved to be the game winning shot. Captain Floyd Taylor skated in and deked a shot before drawing left and firing high on the stick side the find the back of the net.

Romania’s Norbert Rokaly seemingly attempted to copy Taylor’s technique but Goss was up to the challenge and his out-stretched stick knocked the puck wide, earning GB their third victory of the tournament and a vital 2 points.

With only one game remaining GB sit in second place behind Hungary. A regulation win on Saturday in their final match against Croatia and a loss for Romania in their match against Hungary will see GB earn a silver medal.

GB face-off against Croatia at 4:30pm and we’ll have score updates on our Twitter feed @thrutheplexi

GB secure their second victory against Lithuania

GB celebrate their victory over Lithuania.

GB U18’s were in action today for their third game in the World Championship, Division 2 – Group A, tournament in Estonia. Having split the previous two results with a win and loss the boys were looking to get back to winning ways; whilst Lithuania were looking for their first victory of the week.

GB got off to the perfect start and took an early lead as Samuel Towner’s strike found the back of the net at 1:40. As with their previous matches GB faced serious penalty trouble as they had to kill off three consecutive penalties. The first coming just after the opening goal with Thomas Keeley called for cross-checking at 1:58. Declan Balmer was then called for hooking at 6:44 and Basingstoke Bison’s Matt Selby with a cross-checking call at 12:09. Despite six minutes of playing 5-on-4 the team’s penalty killing units were up to the task and they came through unscathed.

However it was not long before Lithuania were on the board and Erikas Sadauskas’ shot found a way past Adam Goss to level the scores at 14:44. Lithuania suffered their own spell on the penalty kill at the end of the opening period but GB were not able to capitalise and re-gain their lead.

The two sides were evenly matched in the second period with both killing off respective penalties early in the period, but at 28:41 Lithuania took the lead through Dalius Mikalauskas’ marker. With the game reaching the mid-way point GB were once again on the powerplay with Vilius Krakauskas called for slashing at 30:16. It took just over a minute of the powerplay for GB to stamp home their advantage and Lewis Hook’s well placed strike found the back of the net to level the scores.

With the third period under-way neither team could find the go ahead goal, with GB Head Coach Mark Beggs calling a timeout at 56:51. With the game drawing to a close GB were set on the back foot as Bobby Chamberlain was called for slashing in the final minute of the game. Despite going on the penalty kill GB were able to attack of the resulting face-off and Harry Harley skated in on a breakaway to score a shorthanded marker to give GB the lead will less than 30 seconds remaining. With the clock ticking down the boys were able to record their second victory of the week; even if they did leave it late.

The victory has given GB a boost as they jump to third in the standings following the conclusion of the remaining games today, with Hungary and Romania both winning their respective fixtures and are three points off the top spot.