SPAIN U18 2-3 GB U18

A hard fought 3-2 victory against Spain on Thursday means that Great Britain are guaranteed at least a Bronze medal from the IIHF World Championships in Belgrade.

The opening period saw GB’s Penalty Kill teams called into action twice in the opening 5 minutes of the game, but they were able to keep the Spanish at bay.

Luca Tessadri, in the GB goal, was finally beaten on 11:09 when Dusan Cantabrana netted the games opening goal.

GB equalised, against the run of play, on 17:17 when Finley Bradon setup Sebastian Mohr to score GB’s opener.

Despite GB being outshot 13-5, both teams went in level after 20 minutes.

Great Britain started strong in the middle period, and with Dusan Cantabrana sitting a Boarding penalty they took the lead on 25:59 through Owen Bruton.

The lead was short lived as just 61 seconds later Spain drew level when Arnau Paya netted his first of the game to make it a 2-2 game.

Both teams had opportunities to regain the lead, but it was GB who finally took their chance when Sam Lyne fired past Alejandro Martinez to take a 3-2 lead into the final period.

The final 20 minutes saw both teams trading penalties, but neither teams Powerplay could make the most of their powerplays and the final buzzer saw GB claim a 3-2 victory and a guaranteed medal.

GB now have arest day before hosting the undefeated and newly promoted Lithuania on Saturday. GB could claim the Silver medal if they defeat Lithuania and Croatia lose their final game against Serbia in the tournaments final game.