Great Britain Under-18 Women began the Four Nations tournament in Reykjavik with a 4-0 defeat by Spain Under-18 Women.
Netminder Emma Nichols was named player of the game as she turned away 41 of the 45 shots she faced, including 18 in the first session.
Ahead of the match, GB named Chamonix Jackson as captain and the coaching staff announced they would nominate two different alternate captains for each game, with Elouise Porter and Abi McCourt wearing the A again Spain.
GB were dealt a blow ahead of face-off with Abby Rowbotham ruled out because of injury.
Wonder goal gives Spain first-period lead
Spain took the lead in the first period thanks to a superb solo goal from Eva Aizpurua, who skated from one end of the ice to the other before producing a near-post finish (8:57).
GB were unable to find a way past Maria Sierra in the Spain goal and the closest they came in the opening 20 minutes was when Ruby Newlands hit the base of the right-hand post.
Spain take control in second session
Aizpurua netted her second of the afternoon 40 seconds into period two when she tipped in Nadia Sancha’s shot (20:40).
GB captain Chamonix Jackson shot inches wide at one end, before Nichols produced a great save to deny Berta Garcia on the breakaway.
But Spain scored their third when Paula Gimenez converted Fernandez de Romarategi Haize’s pass at the backdoor on a two-on-one break at 30:21.
Spain secure victory
Nichols continued to make top-class saves to keep the score down, with one of the standout moments when she denied Claudia Castellanos with her glove.
Spain continued to push for a fourth and it arrived with just over five minutes remaining, as Nichols produced a good save to stop Castellanos but Gabriela Barange was on hand to put in the rebound from close range (54:17).
GB return to action tomorrow when they play Poland with a 17:30 face-off. The game can be watched on a webcast by clicking here.
Four Nations – GB U18 Women schedule and results
Thursday 11th November: Spain U18 Women 4-0 GB U18 Women
Friday 12th November: GB U18 Women v Poland U18 Women – 17:30
Saturday 13th November: Iceland U18 Women v GB U18 Women – 19:15
Photo credit: Bjarni Helgason.