Forward Robert Dowd says it was an “awesome experience” to run one of the best teams in the world close, as Great Britain put up a massive fight before losing 6-3 to USA at the World Championship.
GB, who are ranked 22nd in the world, were level at 1-1 with the world’s fourth seeds before USA secured the win, including a goal for superstar Patrick Kane.
Britain went into the game on the back of a 9-0 defeat by Denmark and Dowd thinks it was a fantastic response.
“We were disappointed yesterday and how we fell off the rails a little bit,” said Dowd.
“We wanted to come back with a performance and start to build. We came out kicking and things started firing for us, which was great.
“On paper, that is the best team in the world, so to trade blows with them and run them close is great for confidence for all the boys.
“It was awesome. It was like a dream come true to play against some of those players.
“To be playing against them and competing with them, actually doing well and giving the a real run, was brilliant.”
GB are not in action tomorrow but return to the ice on Friday against Finland at 8:15pm (7:15pm UK).