Great Britain Under-18 Women’s coach Cheryl Smith was left to rue what might have been as her team were edged 2-1 by Poland in overtime.
It wasn’t quite the start to the tournament GB were hoping for on home ice, but a point from the OT loss gives them something to build from going forward.
And Smith remained positive despite the loss as they turn their attention to France in Monday’s second game.
“We know we can do better and we know have things to work on,” she said. “If we had taken some of our chances it would have been a different outcome.
“Everyone is disappointed, of course, but we now have to build on the point for the rest of the week.”
Chloe Riley and Audrey Wood went close in the early stages, while netminder Ella Howard did well to deny Karolina Baran.
Good chances from Grace Garbett, who struck the post and Emily Harris suggested things were going well for Smith’s team, but had yet to break the deadlock.
GB took the lead around five minutes into the second period when Kiana Tait’s shot was saved by Polish netminder Helena Grzybowska.
The chance opened up for Chloe Headland who swept in the rebound from the left circle and the home side were in front.
Poland didn’t waste time in getting a leveller when Wiktoria Sikorska responded with a goal just under three minutes later and the game was back at stalemate.
Harris and Headland both went close, but GB were no closer to finding another breakthrough as the time ticked down.
The contest went to overtime and it was Sikorska who managed to find a way through with a shot that found its way into the net to consign Great Britain to a narrow defeat.
EARLIER IN THE DAY
France began the tournament in comprehensive style with a 7-0 win over China, effectively burying their opponents in the first 20 minutes.
Eloise Jure, Jade Barbirati, Emma Nonnenmacher, Anae Simon and Manon Le Scodan all netted as the French set themselves up in impressive fashion.
A second from Simon and a later finish from Elise Lombard ensured a terrific three point start for France, setting them up for Monday’s meeting with Great Britain.
Norway also got their tournament off to a great start as they took care of the Netherlands with a 4-0 shutout victory.
Thea Jorgensen opened the scoring with four minutes to go of the first period, but two goals in the first six of the second effectively put the game out of sight as Christina Furseth and Stine Myreng Kjellesvik both netted.
Lotte Pedersen picked up Norway’s fourth and immediately turn their attentions to China, who they face in the opening game on Monday.
MONDAY FIXTURES:
Norway vs China (1pm)
Poland vs Netherlands (4.30pm)
Great Britain vs France (8pm)
