Great Britain were beaten 5-2 by last year’s quarter-finalists Austria in the opening game at the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship at the Swiss Life Arena in Zurich.
Five players made their full GB debuts as Travis Brown became the 437th player to ice for GB, followed by Jack Hopkins (438), Brad Jenion (439), Mat Robson (440) and Liam Steele (441).
Austria raced into a three-goal lead before the 10-minute mark, which was started by Benjamin Nissner going top-shelf from the slot (02:50).
A shot from the slot was deflected past Robson by Peter Schneider (06:00) before Paul Huber scored from close-range (09:47).
GB hit back with two goals in 37 seconds as David Clements scored his first international goal with a neat wrist-shot from right-point (15:33).
It was quickly followed by a second when Liam Kirk shot across netminder David Kickert from the left-circle (16:10).
Robson made a good pad save to deny Leon Kolarik, but moments later Schneider scored on the odd-man rush for his second of the afternoon (26:43).
GB went close through Kirk before Austria scored again as Robson made two great close-range saves but Leon Wallner scored at the third attempt (33:27).
Steele and Robert Lachowicz had chances in quick succession, but Austria went to the intermission with a three-goal advantage.
GB regrouped and produced a solid third period which saw Kirk and Dowd go close whil at the other end, Robson made two superb close-range stops on the penalty-kill.
Game two tomorrow (Sunday 17th May) sees GB face USA who were beaten 3-1 by hosts Switzerland last night.
World Championship: Group A in Zurich
Saturday 16th May: Great Britain 2-5 Austria
Sunday 17th May: Great Britain v USA 12:20 (11:20 BST)
Tuesday 19th May: Hungary v Great Britain 20:20 (19:20 BST)
Thursday 21st May: Switzerland v Great Britain 20:20 (19:20 BST)
Friday 22nd May: Finland v Great Britain 20:20 (19:20 BST)
Sunday 24th May: Great Britain v Latvia 16:20 (15:20 BST)
Monday 25th May: Germany v Great Britain 20:20 (19:20 BST)