Two quick goals midway through the third period turned the game in Germany’s favour as the Great Britain’s return to top flight international ice hockey saw them edged out 3-1.
Pete Russell’s men battled valiantly against the Olympic silver medallists and despite Mike Hammond finding the net to equalise early in the final frame, the Germans found a way past to claim all three points.
Ben Davies had the game’s first chance in the opening exchanges, with his shot coming off the shoulder of German goalie Mathias Niederberger before Ben Bowns had to be at his best to deny the Germans who put the pressure on.
Niederberger did well to make a stop from Evan Mosey on a GB powerplay and the game was goalless after the opening session.
WATCH: Mike Hammond equalises for GB
Liam Kirk and Robert Lachowicz, on his 50th cap, both saw chances come to nothing and as the game started to open up in the latter stages of the second period, that’s when the first goal of the contest finally came.
Sadly for the Brits, it was Moritz Seider who got it, finishing off in a scramble in the front of the crease after GB couldn’t quite clear their lines.
Despite going behind, GB were keen to get back on level terms in the third and just under four minutes after the restart, Hammond struck.
A turnover behind Germany’s net saw the puck land with the Manchester Storm forward, who despatched a low shot into the net.
(PHOTO: Dean Woolley)
Toni Soderholm’s side upped the ante and although they struck the bar later, they got another go-ahead goal and it proved to be decisive.
Yasin Ehliz snapped in a rebound on the powerplay with ten minutes to go after Bowns bobbled a shot, but the insurance marker soon followed as Leon Draisaitl finished from the slot to secure victory.
Germany almost added a fourth as Bowns was pulled late on, but GB kept the scoreline to within two and could take pride in such a dogged and spirited display, despite having nothing to show for their efforts in terms of points.
