Great Britain Men’s Universities secured a 10th-placed finish at the 28th Winter Universiade in Almaty.
Yesterday’s historic 3-1 win over Korea automatically secured them a place at the 2019 Games in Russia, but they were beaten 10-1 by USA in their final today.
Period scores of 1-0, 6-0 and 3-1 saw USA beat GB for the second time in the tournament.
Lucas Branin scored GB’s goal 51 seconds into the third period (40:51).
Coach, Matt Bradbury, said: “We played strong periods in the first and third, but lost our focus in the second and the USA took their chances.
“The whole experience was phenomenal and we accomplished exactly what we set out to achieve, which was a top 10-finish and we can be very proud.
“Our final placing will allow us to commence our plans for the next Games by reviewing this event and the team, looking at potential returnees and spreading the word to all students and hockey players that will be eligible for 2019.”
Meanwhile, Great Britain Women’s Universities were beaten 6-0 by Kazakhstan in their final game of the tournament.
Kazakhstan won the game with period scores of 1-0, 3-0 and 2-0.
Coach, James Ashton, said: “We finished seventh overall but the progression the team made was immense.
“Every game we got better and kept it through to the end.
“The girls earnt the right to wear the GB shirt and represent their universities and country.
“Kazakhstan didn’t even give any time to their back-up and only played all their players today.
“I think the players have developed and are now better than when they arrived.”