On Saturday night the Aussies gave up a goal to the Slovenians in the first 40 seconds of the game, but recovered somewhat to keep the Slovenians from running rampant, allowing two more goals in the first period.

In the second, the Aussies got into penalty trouble and paid the price with three more goals against, and more importantly the loss of veteran players Greg Oddy and Adrian Esposito to injury.

The loss of Oddy broke up Australia’s top forward line, causing further headaches for coach and NHL veteran Steve McKenna.

The third period on Saturday was something of a revelation for the Australians, as they held an admittedly relaxed Slovenian side scoreless and after a period of zero shots in the second, were able to general a few scoring chances on the Slovenian net.

Sunday started much more promising for Australia, but penalties collected trying to compete with the faster Japanese side opened the door for Japanese goals, three scored late in the first period.

Ezzy was rested after Japan put away their fifth goal in the second, and following the sixth goal Australia made their first milestone in Division I history when Australia’s brightest short-term hope, Jarred Seymour, scored a goal as a power play expired, with assists going to fellow youth linemates David Upton and Mitch Villani.

Australia held on strongly in the third period until a penalty in the final few minutes gave the Japanese their final goal from the power play.

The shot total was indicative, 59 to 12 during the game, but Australia’s third period was again encouraging at 20-6, with Denman doing a tidy job after Ezzy was rested.

The Australia team will enjoy a day’s break to rest their hurts and prepare for the crucial games against the home side Lithuania and Kazakhstan.