Goals from Rob Dowd, Craig Peacock, Colin Shields and Jonathan Weaver help Great Britain defeat hosts Croatia in their opening game on Sunday.
Croatia had made the better start in the early stages before GB’s first real pressure came on the powerplay.
David Clarke and Craig Peacock went close before Dowd pinged a shot off the crossbar.
GB took the lead at 11:27 as Dowd scored his 15th international goal with a ripper of a shot over Mate Tomljenovic’s shoulder from left side.
But Croatia hit back less than three minutes later as Mislav Blagus netted on the doorstep (14:05) on a five-on-three powerplay.
Jonathan Weaver restored GB’s lead with a neat top-shelf finish from the left circle at 24:12.
GB’s pressure continued and Jonathan Boxill, Josh Batch and David Phillips all had chances on the same shift and it was no surprise when they scored a third goal.
Ashley Tait and Mark Richardson combined to set up Craig Peacock who fired low past Tomljenovic (35:43).
Colin Shields scored his 35th international goal when he drove from the left circle to give GB a 4-1 lead at 48:29 to wrap the victory up.
GB head coach, Pete Russell, said: “I was very happy with that performance.
“We looked good with the puck and really took the game to Croatia, especially in the second and third period.
“We looked hungry and we looked sharp. It was a great start to the tournament.
“We have prepared well for this tournament and I think that showed as the game went on.
“There are one or two things we can improve on but that is a great start.”
Over 200 GB supporters have made the trip, and they made themselves hears throughout Sundays match.
Phillips said: “As usual the backing from the GB supporters was just amazing.
“They never stopped chanting and it really does lift us throughout the game.
“Our fans have travelled in great numbers and it was an amazing sight to see them on the far side.
“The noise, the colour and the atmosphere was really something to behold.
“This is a great arena to play in and having our fans making so much noise is just fantastic.”
“We know we won’t get an easy ride tomorrow,” continued Phillips. “There are no easy games at this level.
“Estonia have a point to prove after their loss to Lithuania, so we have to expect the backlash.
“But I know we will be focused and we will be ready.”