Despite being rooted on by a 9,000-strong crowd at the Stožice Arena, Slovenia struggled to find their rhythm against the determined British team, which battled hard on defence to allow Slovenia few good looks.

Tied at 2:2, Britain appeared to take the lead in the opening minute of the final period, but the goal was waved off because because a British player was standing in the crease.

A tactical battle ensued and scoring opportunities were few. But with four minutes to go Slovenia found a breakthrough when Razingar slapped home from the right.

Slovenia's now faces Japan on Monday in the five-game round-robin tournament, in which the first-placed team advances to the elite group of ice hockey nations.

Japan lost to Hungary 1:5 earlier in the day. In the other match today, Austria beat Ukraine 5:4.

Results, Day 1
Japan v. Hungary 1:5 (0:2, 0:2, 1:1)
Ukraine v. Austra 4:5 (1:1, 2:4, 1:0)
Slovenia v. Great Britain 3:2 (1:1, 0:1, 1:0)