Defenseman Jonathan Weaver says Great Britain’s high tempo was the key to their 4-1 World Championship (Division 1B) victory over Croatia in Zagreb.

Goals from Robert Dowd, Weaver, Crag Peacock and Colin Shields gave GB a win over the hosts on opening day.

Weaver said: “I thought we were excellent. It was a really good performance and one we should be really pleased with.

“After a slow start, we then took control and dominated the game. We had decent performances all over the ice and I thought we looked really solid.

“We knew we would have to play at a high tempo and I think we did that. We moved the puck around well and our movement on and off the puck was really good.”

“This is just the start but we have a long way to go. Estonia did not have the best of starts to the tournament with their defeat by Lithuania.

“But that means they will more determined to come back with a win. If we play like we did today, then there is no reason why we can’t come out with another win.”

Forward David Clarke believes GB’s strength in depth was a key factor in the victory.

Clarke said: “I thought we were solid all over the ice and that is a good way to start the tournament.

“There were plenty of man-of-the-match performances, so we have lots to be pleased about. Of course, there are things we can do better but this is just the start we wanted.

“We had good puck possession and we moved the puck really well. There were some nice goals scored and we looked really solid. It was excellent.”

Captain Jonathan Phillips praised GB’s travelling support, with over 200 in Zagreb to cheer the team to victory.

“They never stopped chanting and it really does lift us throughout the game,” said Phillips.

“Our fans have travelled in great numbers and it was an amazing sight to see them on the far side. The noise, the colour and the atmosphere was really something to behold.

“This is a great arena to play in and having our fans making so much noise is just fantastic.”

(Image permission: IceHockeyMedia)