GREAT Britain’s under-20 side, which included Bison defenceman Zach Sullivan, exceeded expectations in the World Championships as they won two of their five games and also took eventual winners Italy to overtime.

The young Lions led the Italians with a minute left in the game until a delay of game penalty for the puck going out of the rink allowed the opposition to tie the game and then win it in overtime.

Sullivan said: “They scored with 32 seconds left. On another day the puck hits the glass and we don’t concede a powerplay, but that is the way the game goes.

“We took the positives from that game, but then paid the price for penalties as we lost 6-1 to Kazakhstan.”

The Brits then turned the form book on its head as they enjoyed a 5-4 penalty-shot victory over France.

Sullivan was delighted with victory and said: “They were the number one seeds and had four equal lines who knocked the puck in deep and tired you out.

“Everyone gave everything in that game and, like a number of players, I could not stand up after it.”

The following day, the Brits did not do so well, as they took a night off and were punished by the Ukraine, losing 4-0.

This set up a final game against Japan where the losers would be relegated and, thanks to a 4-2 victory, GB remain in Division 1B.

Looking back on the tournament, Sullivan said: “It was a great experience and I think it was extra special playing at home. It was good to stay up and give the guys next year the chance to go for a medal.”

Hopefully included in this team will be Sullivan’s Bison team-mate Cameron Wynn.