Myers: GB proved they can play against the big teams

Forward Matthew Myers feels Great Britain’s performance in their defeat by Czech Republic at the World Championship in Finland this afternoon shows they can complete with the big teams at the tournament.

GB were beaten by 5-1 in Group B in Tampere but they made a bright start and had the better chances in the first period.

Czech Republic scored twice in the second session and added three goals in the third period, before Ben Lake got GB on the board with a neat backhand finish for his second GB career goal.

Myers said: “We started fantastic and had great scoring chances but didn’t capitalise.

“We were happy to be zero-zero against such a good team at the end of the first period, but in the end we are disappointed that we didn’t do better.

“We have nothing to lose. We have come here and we’re enjoying ourselves and working hard.

“We want to get wins along the way of course, but this afternoon we proved we can play against the top teams.”

GB return to action tomorrow as they face Norway in the day’s first game at 12:20 (10:20 UK).

“Every team at this tournament is fantastic and Norway will pose the same challenge as we had tonight,” continued Myers.

“They are a good skating hockey team with high-end skill. Good goaltending and good defence – it’s just more of the same.

“We do not want to get relegated. It’s a tough uphill battle but we’ve come here to win hockey games and we’re planning to be here next season.”