KIEV, UKRAINE – The British national team have the chance to join the elite international sides if things go their way this weekend. Paul Thompson’s side face Poland in their final game in Group 1B this afternoon (Saturday). A win would guarantee a medal, but if results go their way, Team GB could bring back gold and a place in next year’s IIHF World Championships in Finland and Sweden. “If you can’t be ready for this challenge then there is something wrong. These days don’t come along all that often, days when as a group of guys you can make a difference and maybe even change the path of ice hockey in our country” said Thompson. Team GB opened their championships with an impressive 5-3 victory over the Ukraine thanks to two goals from David Clarke. Thompson’s side have only lost one game, against group favourites Kazakhstan, who came from behind to pip Team GB 2-1. Confident wins against Lithuania and Estonia sets up the crunch finale against Poland who have run Britain close in recent years. “We have some great battles with Poland in recent times, we beat them in overtime a few years ago to win a bronze medal, they beat us in a penalty shoot out after that game and they pipped us to a medal last year. “There have been a lot of close games and I don’t see this one being any different. ” added Thompson. For Team GB to claim their spot in the top division they need to rely on the hosts beating Kazakhstan by no more than three goals. Veteran forward Ashley Tait said: “We have given ourselves every possible chance. All we can do now is go and win the game. We are well prepared, confident and ready to go out and try to make history “We have turned heads here, we are now being recognised as a very good team. I don’t think too many people from outside our camp gave us much of a chance of a gold medal coming into these Championships.” added the Sheffield Steelers man. Team GB will have a nervous wait if they do defeat Poland as Kazakhstan and the Ukraine play in the final match of the group on Saturday evening. Contact the author david.bol@prohockeynews.com
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