Poland deny Great Britain second world bronze in a row

GREAT Britain have been denied a second consecutive World Championship bronze medal after defeat to Poland in Division IB in Slovenia.

Paul Thompson's men were denied another trip to the podium after Poland ran out 2-1 winners, ensuring Great Britain were forced to settle for fourth place.

Cardiff's Phil Hill gave GB an early lead, but Poland levelled through Jaroslaw Rzeszutko two minutes from the end of the second period.

And Mikolaj Lopuski popped up with the winner with six minutes left on the clock.

Thompson said: "I thought the defence battled and battled and battled, but I thought offensively we didn't score enough.

"We created the chances but I didn't think we battled on one-on-ones as well as the defence did.

"Us and Poland are so close in where we are as teams. We edged them in overtime last year to win the bronze, they squeaked one out here this time.

"We don't shoot the puck enough though and we have to be way more direct."