Great Britain Under-18 Women picked up a point in their opening game at the World Championship Division I Group B, with a 2-1 overtime defeat by Poland U18 Women in Dumfries.

GB netminder Ella Howard turned away 26 of the 28 shots she faced, while Verity Lewis was named player of the game.

No goals in opening period
GB made the better start with Chloe Riley and Audrey Wood going close in the opening five minutes, while at the other end Howard had to be at her best to deny Karolina Baran.

Grace Garbett hit the base of the left-hand post and Emily Harris danced into the offensive zone but saw her shot saved as Britain finished the period strongly.

Powerplay goals see the game tied at one
GB went ahead on the powerplay as Chloe Headland put away a rebound in the left circle after Kiana Tait’s shot was saved by Helena Grzybowska (24:50).

Poland responded with a powerplay goal of their own thanks to a neat finish by Wiktoria Sikorska just under three minutes later (27:44).

Overtime winner seals it for Poland
Harris came so close to putting Britain back in front early in the third period but was denied on the doorstep, while Chloe Headland’s shot caused mayhem out in front but Britain could not force the puck over the line.

Howard continued to have an exceptional game in the GB net and made a great save from Sikorska in the closing stages.

The teams were not separated across 60 minutes, but Poland won it in the extra period on the powerplay as Sikorska’s shot crept in for her second goal of the night.

GB head coach, Cheryl Smith, said: “We know we can do better and we know have things to work on.

“If we had taken some of our chances it would have been a different outcome.

“Everyone is disappointed, of course, but we now have to build on the point for the rest of the week.”

In today’s other games, France beat China 7-0 and Norway were 4-0 winners over Netherlands.

GB return to action tomorrow and face second seeds France at 8pm. Tickets are still available and you can buy on the door throughout the day.