It was an emotional, fraught, but ultimately successful night as Great Britain kept their top flight World Championship status with a 4-3 overtime win over France, consign their opponents to the drop.
As you would expect, there was plenty of reaction from Kosice and all over to the news that again, GB will be rubbing shoulders with Canada, USA and others next year when the tournament moves to Switzerland, including former GB stars hailing the achievements of Pete Russell’s team.
Here are the pick of them:
Get in GB! WOW!! pic.twitter.com/7rR4c6i0i0
— Tim Cranston (@TimCranston4) May 20, 2019
I’ve been in this @officialEIHL a few years now. I’ve been with @TeamGBicehockey a couple years now. I’m extremely proud of this group of players & staff. This wasn’t an easy experience. They stuck with it & prevailed. That’s special. Credit to all involved for their sacrifices. pic.twitter.com/TbHUv8Dk47
— Adam Keefe (@Adam27Keefe) May 20, 2019
Woo Hoo way ya go GB. YOUVE DONE IT…..!!!!!
— Frank Morris (@FrankMorris47) May 20, 2019
Have to say to a man they gave their all and got what was rightly deserved after some great performances against some powerhouses of hockey, @TeamGBicehockey look forward to watching a repeat in Switzerland…each and everyone one of you did your nation proud throughout 👏👏
— Les Millie (@LesMillie32) May 20, 2019
Choked! What an amazing team! So much heart, passion. Pete Russell deserves so much credit. #DareToDream. For perspective, this team is to 🇬🇧 what 80 was to 🇺🇸 and 72 was to 🇨🇦. This journey will fund the next gen & raise profile the game. The legacy was earned. #barmyarmy ➡️🇨🇭 pic.twitter.com/JwF69352Nh
— Doug Christiansen (@MMCoachDoug) May 20, 2019
Great Britain 🇬🇧 literally sang "we're s***, and we know we are" after avoiding relegation with a 4-3 overtime win over France 🇫🇷 at the #IIHFWorlds 🤭😂 pic.twitter.com/3gHndMkduJ
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 20, 2019
You have to give @TeamGBicehockey massive amount of credit.3-0 down everything against them.Pete and his team have done brilliant to stay up.Well done to everyone involved in the team👏👏🏒🏒
— Tony Hand (@Tony9Hand) May 20, 2019
If you aren't following the GB ice hockey story at the moment you're missing out. Stepping up to, and now staying up with, the biggest teams in the world. https://t.co/6Rxe6LCEpf
— Matthew Pinsent (@matthewcpinsent) May 20, 2019
Well that was fun…. https://t.co/yGj5btOTtT
— Brett Perlini (@brettperlini) May 20, 2019
So happy for @bendavies05 and @TeamGBicehockey great win
— Brooksy (@BrendanBrooks49) May 20, 2019
What a set play off the draw… nice pass @JP20testimonial … sick finish @bendavies05 🇬🇧🇬🇧 #stayingup #iihfworlds2019
— Dr Russell Cowley (@RussellCowley17) May 20, 2019
It’s only right that we give the last word to the man who is now officially retired, Colin Shields. Thank you, Sheds!
After his long tenure with @TeamGBicehockey, @sheds19 is looking forward to watching the team next year at the #IIHFWorlds, and is excited for the possibilities that this win brings to hockey in Great Britain pic.twitter.com/dJUQvtSP74
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 20, 2019
Way to Go UK at the IIHF World Championship! I hope my Scouting Reports + Information I Mailed to your Country helped your Team and that it Helps your Country Qualify to be in the Winter Olympics!