Ice hockey: Sheffield Steelers duo on the mark for GB 3-1 Slovenia
The offensive defenceman opened the scoring on the Power Play in GB’s first-match assault on the World Championship (Division I Group A) before seven minutes was out.
The lead lasted until 12:22 when Blaz Gegorc equalised, past Ben Bowns.
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Hide AdGB were on the back foot, especially when Sheffield skipper Jonathan Phillips took a holding call.
But the Brits romped back into the lead when Steeler Robert Dowd shot home at 35:59, taking the 2-1 lead into the second break.
When Ales Kranjc took an interference call, GB punished Slovenia again, O’Connor in the move which set up Brett Perlini for 3-1.
GB were the underdogs in the game - and the tournament - and their task was made harder when O’Connor was hurt with 5;23 left.
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Hide AdDesperate Slovenia called a time out with 3;51 to go and hooked their goalie Gasper Kroselj at 57;42 for an extra skater.
GB also called a time out with 78 seconds left, trying to slow the game.
But the unflappable man of the match Bowns and his skaters, closed the door to record a tremendous victory.
Coach Pete Russell said there weren’t many teams that could show such battling qualities as his. “It’s a fantastic result for the country” he said