Great Britain came from behind twice to beat Lithuania 4-3 to make a winning start to their U20 Men’s World Championship Division II Group A campaign in Kaunas.
Ben Norton was given the start in goal, making 17 saves, as GB secured three points in their opening game.
Timur Sedleckij Razin put the hosts ahead on his backhand from close range (6:57), before a great skate from Ilja Michalevic set-up Marijus Dumcius for Lithuania’s second (8:21).
GB closed the gap at 9:59 when Archie Hazeldine’s shot was saved and Carter Hamill was first to the rebound.
Lithuania had Dumcius thrown-out for a major high-sticking penalty and on the subsequent powerplay, neat passing from Jonathan McBean and Mack Stewart found Bayley Harewood to tap the puck home from just in-front of the crease (27:55).
The hosts went ahead again as Sedleckij Razin fed Vakaris Cizas (38:05), but GB hit straight back 75 seconds later as Jack Hopkins went coast-to-coast for a fine solo goal (39:20).
Hopkins scored the game-winner on a five-on-three powerplay, converting from the left circle after good work from McBean and Rhodes Mitchell-King (49:17).
GB return to action on Tuesday when they face Croatia at 16:00 (14:00 UK time).
GB Under-20s schedule and results
Sunday 11th December: Lithuania 3-4 Great Britain – Hopkins 2, Hamill, Harewood
Tuesday 13th December: Great Britain v Croatia 16:00 (14:00 UK time)
Wednesday 14th December: Great Britain v Romania 12:30 (10:30 UK time)
Friday 16th December: Netherlands v Great Britain 16:00 (14:00 UK time)
Saturday 17th December: Great Britain v Spain 12:30 (10:30 UK time)