WORLD JUNIOR ICE HOCKEY CHAMPS: GB off to losing start

GREAT Britain got their World Junior Ice Hockey Championships campaign off to a losing start in Logrono, Spain with a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Croatia.

Britain, competing in Division II of the tournament, were slow out of the blocks as their Eastern European opponents raced into a 3-0 lead in the opening match of the competition.

Igor Lazic, 16 and forward Hrvoje Bokic put Croatia two up after the first period with Team GB mere spectators in the opening 20 minutes.

And after a scoreless second period, Croatia were three to the good in the first minute of the third, as Dominik Kanaet found the net.

That shook Great Britain into life however and 19-year-old Ryan Watt, of the Basingstoke Bisons, pulled a goal back just 30 seconds later.

Edinburgh Capitals forward Iain Bowie then reduced the deficit to one with a fine strike on 57 minutes but despite some late British pressure, Croatia held firm to ensure a losing start for the GB youngsters.