Colin Shields moved on to 38 international goals on Wednesday night, within touching distance of Tony Hand’s all-time record of 40.
However the Belfast Giants forward says he’s not interested in personal records this week – only the success of the team on the ice at SSE Arena.
A first period powerplay goal for Shields opened GB’s account en route to a 5-2 success over Lithuania, setting up a fantastic weekend with games against Netherlands (Friday) and Japan (Saturday) to decide the gold medal.
“I think it’s more the media and the stats guys get involved with that kind of thing,” said Shields of the goal record.
“It came to light last year that I was getting close but the biggest thing this week is getting the points for the team and keeping the wins coming. We do that and we set up the gold medal game we want on Saturday.”
Shields, who has been awarded a testimonial next season with Belfast Giants, said the win over Lithuania as probably GB’s best game of the week to date.
“I’d say that was our most complete performance, we had bit of lapse in the second but they stepped it up and brought some pressure which we responded to.
“We had a really good third and shut them down. They played a physical game but we’re used to that with the style of hockey we play in the league here.
“Everyone played well from Bownsy out to all the forwards and it was good to get the points.”
Friday’s action at SSE Arena in Division 1B of IIHF World Championship sees Lithuania play Japan at 1230, Croatia face Estonia at 1600 before Great Britain’s fourth match of the week against Netherlands (7.30pm).
Image credit: Dean Woolley