Great Britain had a near perfect start to the IIHF Women’s World Championship Division II Group A in Jaca, Spain, defeating Chinese Taipei 8-0 on Sunday.
Any nerves in the GB camp were soothed with an opening goal just 76 seconds in – Aimee Headland potting a rebound after Casey Traill’s bluline blast had been saved.
Britain dominated chances and possession and it was no surprise when they added a second. This time Traill’s shot from the right circle found the net and it was 2-0 at 15:12.
After killing off a penalty to Beth Hill which overlapped the period break, GB had their own chance with a player advantage and Traill bagged her second of the game with a trademark one-timer from the face-off dot – the puck flying past Hsu in the net for a 3-0 lead.
Just over two minutes later it was 4-0, Lucy Beal from just inside the blueline fired a laser which picked the top corner at 26:43.
The third period saw GB in control for long spells without threatening, until the final five minutes when they added another four goals.
First, Jodie Bloom fired home a rebound on the powerplay at 55:43, followed by Beth Hill’s powerplay marker at 57:12.
A tired Chinese Taipei were taking penalty after penalty, so GB were on a five-on-three advantage when Louise Adams wristed past Hsu for 7-0 at 58:15.
The icing on the cake came 43 seconds from time. Less than four hours after receiving her debut cap, Emily Harris – the 139th player to represent GB – fired home from the edge of the crease.
Nicole Jackson made 11 saves for the shutout while Katherine Gale was named player of the game for Great Britain.
Head Coach, Mike Clancy, said: “It was a fantastic start for the girls, they worked really hard for it. I think there were nerves but they went – and we dominated them in their zone.
“It was great to Emily Harris get her first goal on debut. Every line contributed to a goal and I am pleased with the efforts of everyone.”
Monday is a non-game day for GB. They will have a full practice and return to game action on Tuesday against the hosts Spain (8pm local/7pm UK).
GB Women’s World Championship schedule and results
Sunday 3rd April – Chinese Taipei 0-8 Great Britain – Goals: Casey Traill (2), Louise Adams, Lucy Beal, Jodie Bloom, Emily Harris, Aimee Headland, Beth Hill
Tuesday 5th April – Great Britain v Spain – 8pm (7pm UK)
Thursday 7th April – Great Britain v Mexico – 4pm (3pm UK)
Friday 8th April – Latvia v Great Britain – 4pm (3pm UK)
Photo credit: Karl Denham.