GB relegated from top flight

Photo: James Assinder

Great Britain's hopes of staying at the top level of world ice hockey are over following defeat against Latvia, confirming their relegation from the 2026 IIHF World Championship.

Pete Russell's side lost 6-0 to the team that beat the USA, and were shut out for the third time in four games.

Three goals in each of the opening two periods were enough to give Latvia the win. Martins Dzierkals, Deniss Smirnovs and Rudolfs Balcers had Latvia three up by the end of the opening period, while Eduards Tralmaks, Haralds Egle and Renars Krastenbergs had them six ahead by 38:41. Ben Bowns, who announced his retirement from the national team this week, replaced goalie Mat Robson for the final period as the teams played out a scoreless final 20 minutes.

In the other group, Denmark and Italy went to overtime, with the Danes winning. That result means Great Britain can no longer avoid relegation regardless of the outcome of their final game against Germany.