Great Britain's ice hockey promotion hopes dashed by Lithuania
Last Updated: 19/04/15 8:01pm
Great Britain saw their hopes of claiming a gold medal and promotion to World Championship Division 1A come to an end following a 3-2 defeat to Lithuania in Eindhoven.
With Korea beating Croatia earlier in the day, GB knew a point would clinch top spot and their first gold medal since 1993 - in the same city.
Mark Garside put Britain ahead at 14.08 before Danielius Nomanovas levelled at 29.55 and a five-on-three powerplay marker from Nerijus Alisauskas (37.45) saw Lithuania lead.
Russell Cowley tied it up at 2-2 at 43.25 but Paulius Gintautas put Lithuania back in front on the powerplay at 53.01 before they had Donatas Kumeliauskas ejected for head-butting at 56.02.
A late GB penalty scuppered any chance of tying the game as they had to settle for the silver medal.
Coach Pete Russell said: "I am so proud of them. This is hurting so much but we should hold our heads up high.
"They were shattered out there but they gave it their all and they played with pride and passion all week.
"We just came up a little short but they deserve so much credit for the week they had. I guess it wasn't meant to be - it was one of those things.”
