Great Britain beat Netherlands 4-1 in their opening game at the men’s Under-20 World Championship Division II Group A in Dumfries.
First-period goals from Kell Beattie, Jack Hopkins and Mack Stewart set the tone for GB, before Lucas Price added a fourth in the third session.
Three goals for GB in first period
GB scored two powerplay goals inside the opening four minutes to take early control of the game.
Beattie’s shot from the blueline gave GB the lead on his home ice in Dumfries (1:50), while Hopkins reacted first to a loose puck to beat Sam Luitwieler short-side (3:33).
Netherlands closed the gap when Jelle Noblesse won the face-off and Maxime Rentmeester fired in a one-timer (10:24), before Stewart’s rebound restored GB’s two-goal advantage (12:21).
No goals in tight second session
Dawson Osborn went close moments after a successful GB penalty-kill, while Stewart was denied on a powerplay midway through the period.
Carter Hamill had two chances in quick succession but Great Britain were unable to add to their tally in the second session.
Price seals victory with third-period goal.
Lucas Price was left alone at the backdoor and he went top-shelf to score GB’s fourth (50:59).
Bernard Brown’s shot from the blueline was saved by Luitwieler, while Dawson Osborn also went close in the closing stages.
Lithuania next for GB tomorrow
GB are straight back into action tomorrow as they face Lithuania who were beaten 4-1 by Korea earlier today.
In the day’s other game, China skated to a 5-1 victory over Spain.
Great Britain schedule and results
Monday 11th December – Great Britain 4-1 Netherlands – Goals: Kell Beattie, Jack Hopkins, Mack Stewart, Lucas Price.
Tuesday 12th December – Great Britain v Lithuania 20:00
Thursday 14th December – Great Britain v China 20:00
Friday 15th December – Spain v Great Britain 20:00
Sunday 17th December – Korea v Great Britain 16:30