Relegation battle looms for GB after heavy defeat

A 5-0 defeat at the hands of an impressive Japan team in Ljubljana yesterday means Tony Hand’s team go into tomorrow’s final-day game with Hungary needing a win to give themselves a chance of remaining in Division 1A.

A medal was always going to be a tough prospect for Britain given the restructuring of the lower divisions last year by the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation).

As widely expected, Austria and hosts Slovenia secured an instant return to the top tier yesterday, while Britain will enter the weekend in a duel with Ukraine – who they beat 4-3 in overtime on Wednesday – to avoid finishing bottom and endure the relegation that will accompany it.

Japan had caused a shock by beating gold medal favourites Austria after a shoot-out on Wednesday and carried their confidence over into yesterday.

Despite out-shooting their opponents, Britain went in 2-0 down at the first break after two goals from Hiroki Ueno.

It got worse in the middle stanza when Makoto Kawashima (31.34) and Shinya Yanadori (33.48) added further goals before Kohei Mitamura netted a fifth at 48.50.

Sheffield Steelers have snapped up defenceman Jim Jorgenson for the 2012-13 Elite League season.

Interest from a number of European clubs prompted Steelers’ head coach Ryan Finnerty to move quickly for the 26-year-old American, who racked up 51 points – including 16 goals – for rivals Braehead Clan last season.