GB U18 2-4 Korea U18

Great Britain Under-18s’ campaign at the World Championship (Division 2A) in Tallinn began with a 4-2 defeat by Korea.

GB made an impressive start and Ivan Antonov had the puck in the net, but the goal was washed out by the officials for a high stick.

Korea took the lead just as the period was coming to a close as Sang Yoon Shin prodded the puck home at 19:46.

Korea scored their second goal of the afternoon early in the second period (21:36), with Jaein Ahn putting the puck past Renny Marr on the doorstep on the powerplay.

A fine solo short-handed breakaway finish by Ahn – his second goal of the afternoon – gave Korea a three-goal lead at the second intermission.

Connor Henderson grabbed a goal back for GB at 55:55, assisted by Michael Stratford and Adam Finlinson, to set up a dramatic finish.

GB pulled netminder Marr for the closing stages and Hun Park was pulled back on a breakaway to an empty net, so the goal was awarded to make it 4-1 at 58:05.

There was still time for Sam Duggan to fire in GB’s second (58:27), with Antonov and Toms Rutkis assisting, but that was the end of the scoring and Great Britain slipped to defeat in their opening match.

Head coach, Martin Grubb, said: “I am obviously very disappointed at the result and the way we conceded the goals.

“I thought we started well and were the better team in the first period, but conceded at a bad time as the period ended.

“We need to make better decisions and execute on special teams better to ensure we give ourselves a chance in games.

“At this level you cannot afford not to take your chances and you are normally punished – and this has been a harsh lesson.

“We need to learn and learn fast as we move onto a big game tomorrow.

“We will review the video with the players and come back tomorrow ready to get a positive result on the big arena ice.”

GB play the hosts Estonia tomorrow at 6pm UK time.