Great Britain will take home the silver medal after a final-day 4-2 defeat by Italy at the men’s U18s World Championship Division II Group in Asiago.
After shutout wins over Croatia (3-0), Netherlands (1-0), China (3-0) and Romania (3-0), GB lost narrowly to the top seeds.
Italy had the better of the first period with Alfie Blakeley turning away 16 shots.
At the other end, GB went close when Robbie Henderson’s shot came back off the pipes.
Italy scored three goals in two-and-a-half minutes to take control of the game.
Mattia Lenta went high across Blakeley (29:02), Villi Pisetta’s shot deflected in off a GB leg (30:51) and Philipp Winkler converted following a swift Italian attack (31:36).
GB were on the board when a superb no-look pass by Noah Kaariainen found Brynley Capps at the backdoor (37:29).
Josef Prast scored through traffic to make it 4-1 to Italy (50:01), before Louie Kynaston’s pass from down low found Daragh Spawforth in the slot to reduce the arrears to two (55:55).
GB lifted netminder Alfie Blakeley but despite plenty of pressure could find no way past Filippo Matonti again.
GB results
Sunday 13th April: Great Britain 3-0 Croatia
Monday 14th April: Great Britain 1-0 Netherlands
Wednesday 16th April: Great Britain 3-0 China
Thursday 17th April: Romania 0-3 Great Britain
Saturday 19th April: Italy 4-2 Great Britain
