Great Britain’s penultimate game in Women’s Worlds Division 1 Group B ended in a 3-2 defeat to host Korea, but the night ended with news that GB will be staying in Division 1 for next season.

To the action on ice first, coach Mike Clancy named Ella Howard as starting goalie for this game giving Nicole Jackson a breather. Howard was called into action in the first 15 seconds getting to her left post to make a stop, one of 20 saves made during the game.

Korea took the lead on 14.32 as Jongah Park finished a partial two-on-one with a clinical one-timer from the slot. The hosts extended their lead on a powerplay early in period 2, with just one second left on the player advantage Heewon Kim swept the puck in at a tight angle for 2-0 Korea.

Great Britain were finding their feet in the middle frame and were on the board just before the half hour. Katie Henry carried the puck into the offensive zone and squared to Katie Marsden who made no mistake from the left wing. Moments later it was all square. GB operating on the powerplay, Beth Hill fired a wrist shot on net, Eun-Bee Huh in the Korea net couldn’t control it and Katherine Gale potted the rebound at 32.30.

Late in the period Korea had a powerplay chance and after digging the puck out of the corner, captain Soo-Jin Han beat Ella Howard as the buzzer sounded for the end of the period, however the referee awarded the goal and GB were trailing at the second break.

Great Britain restricted Korea to just three shots in the final period as they chased the game, unable to capitalise on a couple of powerplay chances and Korea held out and took their fourth win of the week.

Defender Abbie Sylvester was named best player for Great Britain.

The GB squad play the fifth and final game on Sunday against Slovenia (12.15 local, 04.15 UK time).

A while after the GB players and staff had returned to the hotel and had dinner, the group’s evening game saw Poland and Kazakhstan battling out before Poland scored just 38 seconds from time to take a 3-2 regulation win. That result meant that GB were confirmed as being in Division 1 Group B next season.

Great Britain Women’s World Championship schedule and results 
Monday 17th April: Great Britain 1-0 Kazakhstan – Goal: Katie Henry
Tuesday 18th April: Italy 2-0 Great Britain
Thursday 20th April: Poland 2-1 Great Britain – Goal: Beth Hill
Saturday 22nd April: Korea 3-2 Great Britain – Goals: Katie Marsden, Katherine Gale
Sunday 23rd April: Great Britain v Slovenia – 12:15 (04:15 UK time)

Photo credit: Karl Denham