Richardson double rescues GB in World Championship opener

Great Britain's players mob Mark Richardson after his overtime winner against Croatia.

Picture: Colin Lawson. — Great Britain's players mob Mark Richardson after his overtime winner against Croatia. Picture: Colin Lawson.

Pete Russell’s team looked to be heading for defeat in their Division 1B encounter with Croatia until Cardiff Devils’ Mark Richardson levelled to make it 2-2 with just five seconds of regulation remaining.

The Swindon-born defenceman then pounced 11 seconds into overtime to score the winning goal which sealed a stunning comeback win for GB, who had gone 2-0 down with less than 15 minutes remaining.

“We always believed we could win and the key was not to panic,” said assistant captain Dowd.

Mark Richardson forces home his late equaliser against Croatia. Picture: Colin Lawson.

“Starting off the tournament with a victory is so important. It means the difference between being in the hunt for a gold medal or having to play catch-up hockey.”

Croatia had gone ahead at 16.57 through Mike Glumac and, after a goalless second period, doubled their advantage at 46.52 through Nathan Perkovich.

But Steelers’ defenceman Ben O’Connor halved the deficit just over six minutes later before Richardson’s heroics gave GB plenty of confidence ahead of today’s clash with Estonia (12.30pm), who lost their opening clash 7-3 to Korea.

Head coach Russell - in charge of the full GB squad at a world championships for the first time – added: “I never stopped believing and neither did they. I am so proud of them right now.

“I asked for passion, I asked for work ethic and I got that.

“They were fantastic and fully deserve this victory right now.

“Of course we have areas to work on and things to improve, but this was a massive performance. We held our nerve and that was key.”