GB Undefeated In IIHF World Championships Qualification Tournament

In their final contest of the IIHF World Championships Qualification Tournament, held yesterday at the Sheffield Arena, GB were denied an automatic ticket into the A Pool when Kazakstan scored an equalising goal just two seconds from time. After three inspired performances which saw GB play with pure pride and passion, the team were rocked when Andriy Raiskiy broke down the ice and scored at 59:58, robbing keeper Stevie Lyle of his second tournament shut-out. With broken hearts all round, GB could only sit and wait for the result of the final match of the tournament to decide their fate. The Ukraine v Latvia game, which produced only 26 shots on goal, ended disappointingly as a goalless draw, securing both teams promotion to Pool A and sending GB into the Play-off round. GB Coach Peter Woods, although bitterly disappointed had nothing but praise for his teams performances. "The entire team played excellently and I was extremely happy with each and every one of them. If someone had said before the tournament 'If you don't win a game and only score three goals, will you be happy?' I would have said no. Alternatively if someone had said 'if you are undefeated and have the best goals against you in the tournament, would you take that' then yes, I would have said yes. In our last ten games we have only lost one match, that's a great record. You have to look at all the positives here ". With third place confirmed, GB will now play Norway in a one-off Play-off match for the final spot in Pool A. The clash will take place before the end of the month at a venue to be decided. GB's commitment and competence to play amongst the Elite was re-inforced when three of the squad were voted onto the Media All Star Team. Stevie Lyle receiving Best Goalkeeper Award, Mate Cote Best Left Defence and Tony Hand Best Right Wing. Outstanding throughout the Tournaments, with a save percentage of 97.10%, Stevie Lyle also inevitably received the Netminder of the Tournament Award. The fans who ventured down to the Sheffield Arena to support GB were treated to three top class ice hockey matches and sterling performances from a GB team, which could not have played with more heart and determination to succeed. Great Britain results, 11th November 1999 Ukraine v Great Britain 2-2 (1-0, 0-1, 1-1), Latvia v Great Britain 0 : 0 (0-0, 0-0, 0-0), Great Britain v Kazakstan 1 : 1 (1-0, 0-0, 0-1) 15th November 1999 For further information contact GBIHB Media Office on 01530 838899, Peter Woods, Great Britain Teams Manager, on 01256 357199, or visit our website at www.iceweb.co.uk