Shields closes in on Hand record

Scottish sniper Colin Shields moved to within two goals of Edinburgh-born Tony Hand’s modern-era total of 40 with the opening goal in Great Britain’s victory over Lithuania in Belfast last night.

The home side are now level on nine points with Japan at the top of the World Championship Division 1, Group B table.

Shields helped the home side win their third straight game in the competition. The Glaswegian scored after 101 seconds, with the Belfast Giants forward reacting to a loose puck on the powerplay to claim his 38th international goal.

GB return to action tomorrow when they face Netherlands at 7.30pm.