U18 women qualify for World Championships

Great Britain Under-18s Women have reached the World Championships (Division One) after finishing second in the qualifying tournament in Asiago, Italy.

GB were beaten by China on penalty shots in their final game of the tournament on Sunday lunchtime.

But Hungary’s 6-0 victory over Italy in the final game of the whole competition saw GB go through to the next stage in Norway at the expense of the hosts.

Team manager, Geoff Hemmerman, said: “I am very proud of what the girls have achieved. The effort to produce this result was amazing.

“We were down four players in the last game, so to take it to penalty shots was remarkable.

“This is such a boost for women’s hockey and we now have a huge task to prepare for the World Championships in Norway.

“Everyone from coaches, players and staff worked so hard and deserve the rewards they will now get to play at a World Championships.

“I would like to thank Ice Hockey UK for lobbying the IIHF to get a GB under-18s women’s side into the tournament.

“The support from the parents over the last few months has been brilliant. They have not a Friday night off in weeks and their support is invaluable.”

Hungary won the group with 15 points and a 100% record from their five games.

Second-placed GB won two matches in regulation time (France and Kazakhstan) and one in overtime (Italy). As well as their penalty-shot defeat to China, they were beaten by Hungary for a total of nine points.

The next stage now takes place in Norway from 28th December until 4th January 2012.