In 2014, Team GB finished in 26th place (4th in Division I, Group B) after winning just three of five games against Poland, Croatia, Lithuania, Romania & Netherlands.
With due respect to those countries, today’s historic announcement shows how far British hockey at the top level has come in a short space of time.

Official statement from Ice Hockey UK reads as follows:

Great Britain will face Team Canada in an international challenge game in preparation for the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship in Switzerland.

The world number one ranked side will face GB at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Tuesday 5th May 2020 (7:30pm face-off).

Richard Grieveson, IHUK chairman, said: “Ice Hockey UK is honoured to be hosting such a prestigious international game next year.

“Canada is a world leader in ice hockey and I am sure supporters across the UK will be excited to see GB face such a top-class team.

“Being able to attract such a big name is testament to how far the nation has come in the past few years. On behalf of IHUK, I would like to thank Hockey Canada for coming to the UK and we look forward to welcoming them.”

Pete Russell, GB head coach, said: “Canada will be a fantastic test as part of our World Championship preparations.

“We saw first-hand earlier this year in Slovakia what a quality nation they are and it will be great to go head-to-head with them again in
Nottingham.”

Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer for Hockey Canada, said: “We are excited to bring some of the best hockey players in the world to the United Kingdom and we expect the players will really enjoy their time in these historical cities.

“We believe in growing hockey not only in Canada but in other parts of the world and we are appreciative of Ice Hockey UK’s invitation and hospitality.”

That last sentence speaks volumes to me and it should to other hockey fans this side of the ocean.
There is a not a cat in hell’s chance that Canada would have accepted such an invitation five years ago but the rise through the ranks of Team GB has led to this point.

It was pretty much encapsulated during their showing at the latest World Championships where they made friends (out of pretty much everyone including the home crowd) through astonishing performances, conducted themselves in a fantastic manner and gave time freely to anyone who wished to speak with them.

Also the professionalism shown by the coaching staff, those behind the scenes that made everything tick, the media team and the fans, who also became favourites in Slovakia.

Minds for now should be firmly fixated upon the upcoming Olympic qualification tournament next February but what a tremendous fillip this news is and just goes to show what is possible through hard work, utilising the talent you have and believing in a project. Some might even say, “Dare to Dream.”

Ticket Details:

Tickets for the game will go on sale at 9am on Monday 18th November 2019. Discounted prices will be available via an early-bird window up until Friday 28th February 2020.

Tickets will be available from Monday via the arena website http://www.motorpointarenanottingham.com, by phone at 0843 373 3000 or at the box office in person.

Early bird – 18th November 2019 to 28th February 2020
Adult £40
Concession (OAP and under-16) £25

General sale – 1st March 2020 onwards
Adult £60
Concession (OAP and under-16) £35