The Netherlands defeated Slovenia 14-1 in San Sebastián today ©IIHF

The Netherlands got their Pyeongchang 2018 women's ice hockey Olympic qualifying preliminary round two tournament in San Sebastián off to a flying start today as they thrashed a hapless Slovenian side 14-1.

Five goals from Savine Wielenga as well as three by Mieneke de Jong set the Dutch team on their way to an emphatic opening game win.

Elsewhere on the opening day of action in Group H at the Palacio del Hielo Txuri Urdin the hosts Spain lost to Italy 2-0 in a disappointing result.

An opening goal from Samantha Gius gave the Italians the advantage before Eleonora Dalpra doubled their advantage to give them the perfect start.

In tomorrow's action in Group H, Spain take on The Netherlands while Italy take on Slovenia.

Elsewhere, Great Britain were beaten 4-3 by Poland today on the second day of action in Group G in Astana.

The match in Kazakhstan was the second of the tournament, with only the top team from each group of four progressing to the next qualification stage.

After recording a last-minute 3-2 win over Mexico yesterday, Britain failed to maintain their good form after twice conceding a two-goal lead to the Polish.

Magdalena Czaplik put the Poles ahead on 12 minutes while Karolina Pozniewska doubled their lead just 21 seconds later.

Britain levelled in the second period with Kimberley Lane narrowing the deficit before Shannon Douglas equalised.

Savine Wielenga scored five as the Dutch team thrashed their opponents ©IIHF
Savine Wielenga scored five as the Dutch team thrashed their opponents ©IIHF

However, Joanna Strzelecka's powerplay strike just two minutes later gave the Poles the lead at the close of the second period before Kamila Wieczorek scored the crucial fourth in the 45th minute.

A captain's goal from Katie Henry in the 59th minute proved to be nothing more than a consolation for Britain who must now beat Kazakhstan to have any chance of advancing.

The hosts, though, produced another superb display to pick up their second win in as many days.

Kazakhstan powered to a 4-1 success over Poland yesterday and were once again victorious today with a comfortable 3-1 win over Mexico.

Goals in the first period from Bulbul Kartanbayeva and Karina Felzink gave the Kazakhs a 2-0 lead before Pernesh Ashimova added a third in the second stanza.

Maria Chavez scored a consolation late on for the Mexicans.

There is a rest day tomorrow in Astana before Mexico take on Poland and Britain face Kazakhstan in the final round of matches on Sunday (November 6).

Winners of both groups will progress to preliminary round three, the penultimate qualifying round.

Two final groups to decide Pyeongchang places will then be held in February.