GB Futures beat Hungary 3-2 in a thrilling game at the under-16 men’s Four Nations in Tallinn on Friday.
It’s now a win and a defeat for GB in the four-team tournament with a final game against hosts Estonia to come tomorrow (Saturday).
William John Hanna started between the pipes for GB and turned away a remarkable 64 of the 66 shots he faced.
Callum Wilson put GB ahead in the first period (03:49) before Hungary equalised through Konrád Gál (12:20).
The middle frame saw GB open up a two-goal lead thanks to Harry Marshall (35:01) and William Durgan’s powerplay strike just over two minutes later (37:16).
A late goal from Csomgor Kiss (58:12) set-up a tense finish but GB saw the game out to secure the three points.
Head Coach, Euan King, said: “I am really, really proud of the boys. They battled hard, they were aggressive and they got after pucks really well.
“At times we bent but we never broke which is a great characteristic to have. When we got our opportunities we were clinical.
“There was impressive performances across the ice and our netminding was exceptional.
“This was an incredible result considering it was only the second time this team had played together and considering the standard of nation we were up against.
“It’s something to build on and now we get ready for Estonia when hopefully we will play in the same way.”
GB Futures Results and Schedule
Thursday 28th August: GB Futures 0-8 HS Riga
Friday 29th August: Hungary 2-3 GB Futures
Saturday 30th August 14:30 (12:30 BST): GB Futures v Estonia
The team for the trip was selected following a two-day national development camp which brought together 54 of the top under-16s players from across the home nations.
The GB Futures programme is a new collaborative initiative between IHUK, EIH and SIH, designed to align and strengthen the national development pathway.
It connects talent identification and coaching networks across the UK, while giving young athletes the opportunity to represent Great Britain and develop toward formal IIHF competition.