Great Britain began their Under-18 Women’s World Championship Division II Group A campaign in Riga with a 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan.

Lucy Holliday started between the pipes for GB with Alisha O’Doherty as back-up.

GB impressed from the first puck drop, outshooting Kazakhstan 11-7 in the first period.

At the other end, Holliday made a string of good stop including a great glove save to deny Sofiya Muravyeva.

Lydia Lutwyche went close early in the second period, before GB went ahead when strong work by Rebecca Voslinsky created the chance for Grace Cooper at left-point and after her shot was saved, Alisha Potts buried the rebound (29:01).

Kazakhstan hit back within three-and-a-half minutes thanks to a great solo goal by Kira Krukholskaya who waltzed into the offensive zone before beating Holliday with a deflected shot on the powerplay (32:33).

Ruby Newlands put GB back ahead with a wonder goal, receiving the puck on her own blueline from Cassie McGregor, beating two Kazakhstan players before going backhand past Veronika Ageyeva (46:28).

Newlands then played a key part in GB’s third goal, stealing the puck in the offensive zone and setting-up Emma Lamberton to score from close-range (56:02).

GB return to action tomorrow against Netherlands at 12:30 (10:30 GMT).

Fixtures and Results
Monday 20th January: Great Britain 3-1 Kazakhstan
Tuesday 21st January: Great Britain v Netherlands 12:30 (10:30 GMT)
Thursday 23rd January: Great Britain v New Zealand 12:30 (10:30 GMT)
Saturday 25th January: Latvia v Great Britain 19:30 (17:30 GMT)
Sunday 26th January: Chinese Taipei v Great Britain 16:00 (14:00 GMT)