Great Britain Head Coach Sean Alderson says game management has been key to his side’s success at the U18 Women’s World Championship Division II Group A in Riga.
GB won the gold medal and promotion to Division I after four straight wins to seal the success with a game to spare.
Britain beat Kazakhstan (3-1), Netherlands (3-0) and New Zealand (16-1) to set-up a winner-takes-all clash with hosts Latvia who had also won their opening three matches.
GB beat Latvia 3-2 last night in a thriller which saw them come from behind twice.
Alderson said: “I am incredibly proud of the group – players and staff. Everyone bought into our vision and stuck to our systems, helping us achieve our goal of winning gold and gaining promotion.
“The resilience and patience of the group throughout each game has been fantastic.
“Everything the coaching team have thrown at them they’ve taken on board and adapted. They have also excelled in game management. Last night’s game proved testament to that.
“Every member has played their part in this great achievement. I am one very proud coach.
“I’d like to sincerely thank the IHUK Board for their backing, as well as UK Sport and National Lottery for their continued support.”
Ice Hockey UK CEO, Henry Staelens, said: “We are extremely proud of this group and the achievement. It is so well deserved.
“We will continue to invest record amounts into the women’s pathway as there is so much potential still to come.”
GB complete their tournament this afternoon against Chinese Taipei at 16:00 (14:00 GMT).
Fixtures and Results
Monday 20th January: Great Britain 3-1 Kazakhstan
Tuesday 21st January: Great Britain 3-0 Netherlands
Thursday 23rd January: Great Britain 16-1 New Zealand
Saturday 25th January: Latvia 2-3 Great Britain
Sunday 26th January: Chinese Taipei v Great Britain 16:00 (14:00 GMT)
