Defenceman Mark Garside says Great Britain can use the positives from this afternoon’s defeat by Sweden in tomorrow’s Group A World Championship match with Czech Republic.
Liam Kirk’s fifth goal of the tournament put GB ahead against Sweden, who are ranked fourth in the world before the Swedes came back strong, firing 56 shots on the goal of Ben Bowns in a 4-1 victory.
Garside side: “We probably gave them a bit too much of the puck and we could’ve forechecked a bit harder, but they are an excellent hockey team.
“They’ve got players who play in the top leagues in Europe and the NHL. There were positives to take from the game for sure and we can build on them going forward.”
GB, who have four points from five matches, have a quick return to action tomorrow as they play the early game against Czech Republic (10:15am UK time).
“We are in a good position right now but we have to take these games one at a time,” said Garside.
“Czech Republic are another great hockey nation. We will need to keep our identity and play well defensively and we have a chance of winning.”
All of GB’s games are live on FreeSports in the UK. FreeSports is available free on Sky Channel 422, Virgin Media Channel 553, on Channel 64 on Freeview and BT and via the FreeSports Player.
IIHF 2021 World Championship – GB results and fixtures
Saturday 22nd May – Great Britain 1-7 Russia – Goal: Liam Kirk
Sunday 23rd May – Great Britain 1-2 Slovakia – Goal: Liam Kirk
Tuesday 25th May – Great Britain 2-3 Denmark (overtime) – Goals: Ben O’Connor, Mike Hammond
Wednesday 26th May – Belarus 3-4 Great Britain – Goals: Liam Kirk 2, Ben Davies, Mike Hammond
Friday 28th May – Sweden 4-1 Great Britain – Goal: Liam Kirk
Saturday 29th May – Czech Republic v Great Britain – 12:15 face-off (10:15 UK time)
Tuesday 1st June – Switzerland v Great Britain – 12:15 face-off (10:15 UK time)
Photo credit: Dean Woolley.