Great Britain lose to Austria in opening game

Five players made their full Great Britain debuts on Saturday Great Britain's opening game of the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championship ended in defeat as they were beaten 5-2 by Austria in Group A. All seven goals came in a frantic first half in Switzerland including a double from Austria's Peter Schneider. Pete Russell's side gave themselves a mountain to climb early on as they quickly fell 3-0 behind in what was a high-scoring opening period.

Goals from David Clements and Liam Kirk pulled the score back to 3-2 after just one quarter before Austria extended their lead to three again before half-time. Mat Robson made two big late on the penalty-kill as the first of seven group games ended in defeat for Great Britain. Elsewhere in the group, hosts Switzerland won their opening game 3-1 against the USA on Friday while Finland beat Germany by the same scoreline.

In Group B, the Czech Republic lead the way having beaten Denmark 4-1 in their opening game, while Canada are in second after a 5-3 victory over Sweden.