Great Britain Under 18’s Women have won the bronze medal at the Under-18 Women’s World Championship Division 1 Group B after taking a final day 4-2 victory over the Netherlands in Dumfries.
It was a great way to end the week that saw Cheryl Smith’s side picked up two shutout victories along the way prior the this one.
But they capped their campaign off in style with a good victory over the Dutch, who were relegated yesterday.
It was also a week to remember for GB netminder Ella Howard, who produced another solid performance to earn herself the accolade of the home team’s player of the tournament.
On the ice, Aimee Headland went close early on, followed by her sister, Chloe, who shot her effort just wide.
Smith’s side went in front in the early stages of the second period when Sophie Campbell tucked away a rebound after a goalmouth scramble.
Lizzie Saunders almost added a second shortly after, but her point blank effort was saved by Dutch goalie Eline Gabriele.
Netherlands equalised when Esther de Jong’s perfect pass set up Kimberly Collard, who fired top shelf in the opening minutes of the third period.
But two goals in a little over two minutes won it for GB as Verity Lewis’ blue line shot found its way in to restore the lead.
Then Chloe Headland’s stunning individual goal as she beat three players before shooting past Gabriele just about got the job done until she added a second shrtly after.
The Netherlands got another back through Fleur Kivits in the final minute, but the bronze medal – GB’s first at U18 level since 2013 – was already in the bag.
EARLIER IN THE DAY
France lost the first game of the day, but got the point they needed to win the gold medal as they pipped Norway to the prize despite a 2-1 loss.
Manon le Scodan put the French in front, but Stine Myreng Kjellesvik equalised to take the game beyond regulation time.
Norway took the game as Marthe Brunvold’s penalty shot was a success, but it was France, with the extra point that won them promotion and the gold medal.
Poland signed off with victory in their final game against China, winning 4-2, but the Chinese got the better start as Jing Wan and Qianhua Li put them two up after 12 minutes.
Alicia Kopciara and Karolina Baran had Poland level by the end of the first and went on to take the win with Wiktoria Sikorsa and Kopciara getting her second to tie things up.
