The second round of matches in Budapest puts the Great Britain U20 team up against the host nation in the day’s middle match (4.30 local, 3.30 UK).

GB had a good workout at the morning skate and will look to build on the point gained in the OT loss to Slovenia on Sunday night.

Hungary by contrast turned the seedings on their head with a 5-2 win over top seeded Italy in front of a packed Jegpalota. A similarly loud and hostile atmosphere awaits GB this afternoon.

kirk“We were disappointed to lose in overtime having been in a winning position during the third period,” said coach Martin Grubb.

“That said on the balance of play it was a point won rather than points lost. So we have to look on the positive and go all out against the home side who will be flying after their result.

“We need to be defensively responsible in our own end and we know from playing host countries before if you hold them at bay the big crowd cant be taken out of the game.”

Grubb will name his staring lineup an hour before faceoff, making a choice in net between Renny Marr who was stellar against Slovenia and Denis Bell.

One player not up for selection is forward Cole Shudra.

The Sheffield Steelers player has failed his fitness test and will play no further part on the ice for GB this week. He is staying with the squad to support their efforts in the remaining games.

Today’s match faces off at 4.30 local time, 3.30pm in the UK and is available to watch online at www.sportstream.hu. Updates are also available from the TeamGBicehockey Twitter page.

Photo credit: Duncan Speirs