Team Great Britain produced their most complete performance of the IIHF Division 1A World Championship, defeating Italy 5-1 to claim their first regulation-time win of the tournament and take a major step toward promotion.
Liam Kirk set the tone just 32 seconds into the tie, firing home from the left circle with a quick-release wrist shot that caught Davide Fadine sliding from post to post.
Team GB’s fast start carried into the latter stages of the first period, with Nathanael Halbert activating on the rush and scoring backhanded to create a two-goal cushion.
Pete Russell’s side maintained their momentum after the break, extending their lead through Kirk and Sam Duggan, before Bryce Misley punched back for the Italians on the half-hour mark.
Ben O’Connor restored Team GB’s four-goal cushion with two minutes remaining in the final frame, converting on the powerplay to seal an emphatic win — and send Russell & Co. to the top of the standings.
Team GB will conclude their tournament campaign against Poland on Saturday [3 May], with a return to the top flight now within reach.
Takeaway 1 — It’s official: Ben Bowns owns the net
If you want to win tournaments, you need a netminder who delivers when it matters most — someone calm under pressure, reliable in chaos, and capable of shifting momentum with a single save.
Team GB have that in Ben Bowns, and his performance against Italy was a timely reminder of why he remains the heartbeat of this squad.
Bowns backstopped the squad to victory with a 32-save performance, standing tall through long stretches of sustained pressure.
Ben Bowns, Team GB (Image: Dean Woolley)
His best work came in the third period, as Italy pushed for a way back into the contest with a string of powerplay opportunities.
The Cardiff Devils shot-stopper responded with a composed, unflappable display — tracking pucks through traffic, controlling rebounds, and killing any hope of an Italian comeback.
The numbers tell the story.
Despite being outshot 32-12, the Brits skated away 5-1 winners — a result that doesn’t happen without standout goaltending.
Bowns has long been the safety net for Pete Russell’s squad, and with promotion on the line, he’s once again proving himself up to the task.
Takeaway 2 — Nathanael Halbert for MVP
While Kirk and Bowns have rightfully grabbed headlines, Halbert is quietly making a compelling case as one of the most complete players in the tournament.
Liam Kirk, Team GB (Image: Dean Woolley)
His first goal of the week — a composed backhand finish after jumping into the rush against Italy — took his points tally to five (one goal, four assists), placing him seventh overall in tournament scoring and second amongst defencemen.
But Halbert’s impact goes beyond the scoresheet.
He’s been a steadying presence on the back end, showing strong positional discipline and composure under pressure.
His chemistry with defensive partner David Clements — rekindled from their time together with the Coventry Blaze — has given Team GB a reliable second pair, one that can handle tough minutes without blinking.
Halbert has yet to take a penalty in the tournament and plays in all situations — a stud, in other words.
In a week defined by fine margins and unforgiving opposition, his poise, intelligence, and quiet leadership has become invaluable.
If Team GB secure promotion, don’t be surprised to see Halbert in the MVP conversation.
Takeaway 3 — Promotion is Team GB’s to lose
Team GB sit top of the Division 1A standings with nine points from four games, holding the head-to-head tiebreaker over Ukraine, who also have nine. Any win over Poland on Saturday will secure Russell’s squad promotion.
Italy (seven points) and Poland (six points) remain in contention, but will need final-day victories and help from elsewhere to break into the top two.
The path is clear: beat Poland and Team GB will return to the top flight.
Great Britain | Division 1A IIHF World Championship Schedule
Sunday 27 April: Ukraine 3-4 Great Britain (after penalty shots)
Monday 28 April: Great Britain 2-1 Romania (after overtime)
Wednesday 30 April: Great Britain 5-4 Japan (after overtime)
Thursday 1 May: Italy 1-5 Great Britain
Saturday 3 May: Great Britain vs Poland (17:30 BST)
Read More:
