There is much to be hopeful about in the women’s national program following an outstanding performance by the U18s in Heerenveen, Netherlands.

The squad was looking to make amends for a frustrating showing in Dumfries, Scotland last year.

In 2023, Great Britain finished out of the medals in fourth place but only two points behind Australia, who topped a very competitive group.

GB put together an excellent 2024 Division 2, Group A campaign, recording some highs for the program, including most regulation wins (4) and points (12) in a regular round-robin tournament.

The 9-0 victory to finish the tournament against Turkey was the largest in the program’s history.

While China blitzed their way to earning promotion with comprehensive victories including 18-0, 11-0 and 8-0, their only real competitive game was versus Great Britain on Game Day Two.

China was pegged back after opening the scoring and only led 3-2 through twenty minutes after a late-period goal from Emma Lamberton.

Had GB’s power play been able to strike on a 5-on-3 early in the middle frame, perhaps the game might have taken on a different complexion. China took a 4-2 lead at the 35-minute mark but didn’t run away with the game until the final ten minutes when they struck twice to record a 6-2 victory.

Great Britain allowed just six goals at 5v5 throughout the tournament on route to winning a silver medal by defeating Kazakhstan (4-0), Netherlands (4-0), Latvia (3-1) and Turkey (9-0).

Netminder Evelyn Brown started every game and only gave up the net in the tournament’s final game when Scarlett Richardson was tasked with the remaining forty minutes of competitive action.

The 15-year-old Brown posted two shutouts in her second campaign at this level.

Great Britain excelled in special teams, leading the tournament with a 28.57% power play and the second-best penalty kill, allowing just one goal on fifteen times shorthanded.

Scoring was by committee as 17 of the 18 skaters recorded a point and eleven players found the net.

The leadership group showed the way, with assistants Ruby Newlands and Ellie Patrick recording six points. The pair netted five goals a piece, tied for third in the tournament.

Captain Jess Wooding registered five points (1G/4A) and ranked second in scoring amongst all defenders.

With an average roster age of just over sixteen, Great Britain is well-placed to take the next step in 2025.

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