GB Begin with a Win
22nd June 2008Great Britain opened their account at the 2008 IIHF In-Line Hockey World Championships with a win after a high scoring game with Australia in Bratislava, Slovakia.
After at one stage leading 6-1 with less than half the game gone, GB were brought to within one goal at 7-6 before a strong final period performance opened up a second and definitive lead ending in a 11-7 scoreline.
Sheffield Steelers’ Mark Thomas was in impressive form on his return to the GB team (having last played in 2005) with three goals and four assists while Chris Colegate of the Nottingham Rollersnakes bagged six assists in an exceptional performance.
Alex Pearman (Hallamshire Hornets) also impressed and tallied a hat-trick while GB’s all time scorer John Dolan had a two goals and two assists as GB’s powerplay dominated, converting on five of six opportunities. Joe Wightman of the Rollernsnakes also stood out despite having to use equipment belonging to the injured Stu Brian, Wightman’s kit having been delayed.
It was not the best GB performance however in extremely hot conditions against an opponent who had spent several more days acclimatising to the temperature and humidity it was a solid start to a tournament where GB expect to do well.
Other plusses for GB were a goal on debut for Mark Hallam (Hornets) and a goal for team captain Simon Hehir celebrating his fifth year of captaincy for the British team. Several other players made their GB debuts including Tim McKay (Kingston Panthers), Joe Bjorndal and Scott Glover.
GB coach Nick Crawley believes GB will have to up their game against Brazil:
"The first game of this tournament is always difficult," he admits "especially in intense heat like it is here. We’ve got some positives out of this game and some things to work on. Generally I’m pleased with the win but we know we will get stronger and we’ll have to up our game."
GB face Division One champions Brazil tomorrow night before concluding their group games against Bulgaria on Tuesday.
Final Score (Period Scores)
GB 11-7 Australia (4-1, 2-1, 1-3, 4-2)
GB Goals & Assists
Thomas 3 + 4
Alex Pearman 3+0
John Dolan 2+2
Joe Wightman 1+1
Simon Hehir 1+0
Mark Hallam 1+0
Chris Colegate 0+6
Remi Moses 0+2
Karl Niamatali 0+1
Joe Bjorndal 0+1