Playing in the Winter Olympic Games is the pinnacle for many hockey players.

Sidney Crosby states the 2010 Olympics as one of the highlights of his career and is excited at the prospect of being able to represent Canada in 2026.

Great Britain has not been represented in hockey at the Winter Olympics post-1948.

The 2026 games in Italy symbolise the best chance in recent history to rectify that.

In the penultimate group stage hosted in Cardiff, Great Britain swept past China (10-1), Serbia (11-0) and Romania (7-4), in the style befitting a nation that will compete against the leading lights in the upcoming world championships.

The challenge ahead of them now is undoubtedly sizeable but far from impossible.
As it stands, Great Britain will head to Denmark to face the hosts, Norway and Slovenia, at the end of August. The winner of that group will claim a place at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The rankings of the aforementioned countries are 11th, 12th and 17th respectively, while GB are currently 19th in the world.

There should be no fear factor for a nation that will be considered enormous underdogs to qualify.

The last time GB faced Denmark and Norway, they suffered defeat in overtime and a shootout, respectively.
Slovenia will doubtless provide a stern test, but not at a level above what they’ve faced in recent years.

Since 2019, Great Britain has defeated France and Belarus, suffered narrow defeats to both Latvia and Slovakia, while Austria beat them 5-3 in a game that was ultimately winnable.

For the core of the current roster, it might be their last chance to chase the elusive Olympic dream. Motivation, therefore, won’t be a problem, nor will selection, as Great Britain will have access to all their best players, injury notwithstanding.

Liam Kirk was rampant against China, Serbia and Romania, recording ten points in three games. He is easily Great Britain’s X-Factor and will play a vital role in any success come August. Kirk has previously excelled at the highest stage and will not fear this level of competition.

The program has come a long way in Pete Russell’s reign, which has resulted in success on the world championship stage.

To qualify for the Olympic Games would be the crowning glory for Russell, a coach who has challenged his players to dare to dream from the very start.

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