Day 2 Recap: Great Britain Under 19s at the IISHF European Championships 2025

Pride, Promise, and Progress in Austria – A Day of Grit and Growth

Day two at the IISHF European Championships 2025 was a true test of character for the Great Britain Under 19s, as the squad battled through a challenging trio of fixtures, facing off against some of Europe’s finest. The energy in the arena was electric, and while the scorelines proved tough, the resolve and potential of the GB squad shone through.

Team Line-up: Day 2 Squad

·         Daniel Alabaster

·         Toryn Christy

·         Oscar Gattenden

·         Kyle Gchapman

·         Zack Beale

·         Matthew Pike

·         Harrison Prentice

·         Tahlia Davidson-Wright

·         Charlie Pike

·         Oscar Flowers

·         Isaac Stubbins

·         Richard Stoyanov

·         Thomas Maguire

·         Alfie James Wyrley-Birch

·         Alfie Seddon

·         Oliver Leach

Game One: Opening Against Germany

The day began with a daunting match-up against a powerhouse German side. Great Britain showed ambition and courage, but the German attack proved relentless. The final whistle saw a 14-1 result in Germany's favour. Despite the deficit, spirits were lifted when Harrison Prentice, ever the spark for GB, found the net at 13:39 with a solo effort—his unassisted goal a reminder of the team’s fighting spirit.

Game Two: Facing the Swiss Force

Next up were the Swiss, a side renowned for their attacking prowess. Once again, the British defence was put to the test, and Switzerland emerged with a 16:1 victory. Yet, there was a silver lining: Matthew Pike, proudly wearing number 73, scored GB's lone goal, finally getting on the scoresheet after a controversial decision the previous day. Step forward Oliver Leach, number 24, whose vision and creativity set up Pike’s goal—a partnership that hints at future promise for the squad.

Game Three: Clash with Hosts Austria

But the story of the day came in the final match, with Great Britain taking on hosts Austria in front of their passionate home crowd. The young Lions roared out of the gates, with captain Daniel Alabaster needing less than a minute to open the scoring—an unassisted effort that sent ripples through the stands and put GB 1-0 up. Austria responded with determination, pulling level and then edging ahead.

Undeterred, GB struck back. Oscar Flowers, demonstrating skill and composure, scored at 08:26, assisted by Matthew Pike who notched his second point of the day. The Austrians regained the lead, but the resilient Prentice popped up once more at 21:58, slotting home the equaliser with a crucial assist from Toryn Christy.

The game ended in a hard-fought draw—an exhilarating, back-and-forth battle that showcased the heart and tenacity of this British squad. Every player left everything on the rink, and the tie was a just reward for their unwavering commitment.

Looking Ahead: Heads Held High

Day two’s results may not have all fallen in Britain’s favour, but the progress and promise are undeniable. Each game brought moments of individual brilliance, collective resilience, and a glimpse of the bright future that lies ahead for this group. Whether on the international, European or domestic stage, these players are writing a story of growth and pride.

Hold your heads high, team—you represented your nation with honour and left fans inspired for what’s to come.

The group stage is over! Now onto the Semifinals, Great Britin will face Germany at 11:05 BST. So be sure to tune in on www.iishf.com and watch the live stream. Semifinal recap blog post and video will be posted on Monday morning. Stay tuned!