The Day started well yet weary for the squad as they recovered from the intensity of the Estonia match the night before. With a renewed goal to secure a victory against Slovenia and then Hungry, Great Britain kicked off looking to attack Slovenia and look to secure early goals. Unfortunately early in the period fatigue and error started to creep into the match and it looked to be a difficult objective. With limited shots at goal from both sides Slovenia managed to sneak two goals through a weary defence on the left side ending the period 0-2.
The second period saw Great Britain rally a little holding Slovenia goalless for the first 10 minutes however 5 more unanswered goals came in quick succession as the team struggled with the weariness of the Ukraine match kicked in.
Three goals in the first three minutes to Slovenia and a penalty against Great Britain lead the 3rd period all but sealing the game. Great Britain kept fighting however and kept the last 15 minutes scoreless and glimpses of the Ukraine performance shone through. The squad although disappointed with the loss to Slovenia recognize the potential of previous matches and looking forward to the final game against Hungary and to go home with a win.
Dexter Aldred, GB’s MVP reflected on the loss, “We didn’t get up to the level we wanted, Slovenia punished us for that and therefore won the game.”.
Martin Horry, GB Assistant Coach, “Todays match was an experience a lot of the players had to go through to hopefully realize effort and motivation are the main engine of good match results.”
Great Britain are back in action Saturday at 8am vs Hungary.
Report: Scott Van Wykvliet
Images: IFF