(Steelers new signing Colin Shields scores for GB)

Great Britain put in a fantastic performance in their opening game of the World Championship (Division 1A) but were narrowly beaten 3-2 by hosts Slovenia. 

Slovenia, who were relegated from the top flight Elite Division last season, were made to fight all the way by a gutsy GB side.

The hosts took the lead at 03:35 through Ziga Jeglic, before Colin Shields levelled for GB (06:31) with assists going to Robert Dowd and Craig Peacock.

Slovenia went ahead again thanks to David Rodman's strike at 12:35 for a 2-1 first-period lead and GB hit back at the start of the second period, Colin Shields with the assist on Peacock's equaliser (21:15).

The game was tied at 2-2 going into the final session and GB once again matched their higher-ranked opponents but fell behind for a third time as Tomaz Razingar netted at 56:01.

Assistant coach Doug Christiansen: "I thought we competed hard and we battled well, but we made a couple of mistakes and we will have to improve going forward.

"I thought Stephen Murphy was fantastic and the line of Colin Shields, Robert Dowd and Craig Peacock was a threat all night.

"I saw enough in this game to know we can compete at this tournament but we know we have to get better."

GB are next in action on Monday against Austria (3.30pm UK time), another of last year's relegated teams from the top flight, and the highest-ranked team in the tournament.