2019 IIHF World Hockey Championships: Great Britain Beats France 4-3 in OT; Remains In Top Flight

The biggest hockey story of the day does not include the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Today marked one of the most iconic days in British hockey history. Great Britain beat France 4-3 in overtime after trailing 3-0 halfway through the game. Here are some facts and notes about this exciting matchup. 

Game Notes

This was the relegation game of the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Slovakia. Halfway through the game, France was up 3-0 until Robert Dowd scored to make it 3-1. Three minutes late Mike Hammond scored the second goal as a rebound goal from Ben O’Connor’s shot. This was Hammonds fourth goal of the tournament. Towards the end of the game, Robert Farmer equalized to force overtime.

During overtime, France had five scoring opportunities but was denied by Britain goaltender Ben Bowns incredible saves. Britain forward Jonathan Phillips convert the breakout and set up Ben Davies for the game-winning goal.

Must See: Great Britain rallies from three down to stun France in OT, avoid relegation at the #IIHFWorlds! 🇬🇧

WATCH: https://t.co/IP32AiGzg1 pic.twitter.com/gJT0ztQ9cJ

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 20, 2019

France is relegated to Division 1A in the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation). The demoted country had been in the top flight since 2008.

Great Britain Overall Performance In The Tournament

Great Britain lost the first six matches in the tournament, conceding 38 goals and scoring five goals. A lot of spectators thought Great Britain was on its way to relegation. This win keeps Great Britain on the top flight and takes part in the 2020 World Championship in Switzerland. For the first time since 1951, Great Britain will be a part of the top flight competition of the IIHF World Championship in consecutive years.

Great Britain 🇬🇧 literally sang “we’re s***, and we know we are” after avoiding relegation with a 4-3 overtime win over France 🇫🇷 at the #IIHFWorlds 🤭😂 pic.twitter.com/3gHndMkduJ

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 20, 2019

It was a memorable moment for the players and fans of Great Britain. Now Great Britain can enjoy being in the top flight for a whole year. Now they can look forward to the 2020 IIHF World Championships in Switzerland.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images

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