Head coach Doug Christiansen insists Great Britain’s men’s ice hockey team will keep on fighting despite their hopes of promotion back to World Championship Division One A at the first time of asking ending with defeat to Lithuania.
After a loss and a victory in their opening two games, Great Britain took on World Championship Division One B hosts Lithuania knowing that nothing less than a win would suffice.
But despite out-shooting the hosts 23-15, they were unable to claim victory with Lithuania winning 2-1.
Lithuania went ahead when NHL star Dainius Zubrus set up Arnoldas Bosas after four minutes, however GB equalised through Robert Dowd as he skated out from behind and fired past Mantas Armalis 20 minutes later.
But Lithuania went in front again on the powerplay when Zubrus was left too much space after half an hour, and although GB continued to test Armalis, the goaltender stood up to the challenge.
The result means Great Britain won’t be promoted back into Division One A but they adventure in Lithuania is far from over, next up for Christiansen’s side the test of Netherlands.
Christiansen said: "Lithuania are a great side and they were very good. We played hard and committed and our guys battled for 60 minutes.
"I am disappointed to lose and we have to pick ourselves up for tomorrow against Netherlands."
© Sportsbeat 2014