In 2021, Great Britain came within a single goal of reaching the final round of Olympic qualification for the 2022 Winter Games.
A 1-0 victory against Korea wasn’t quite enough in front of a fervent home crowd in Nottingham and there was a feeling of unfinished business.
Promotion to Division 1B and solidification at that level means the current crop of players and coaching staff believe that they can take the extra step this time around.
Great Britain again plays host, this time in Sheffield with the backing of family, friends and the GB barmy army to support them in their Olympic quest.
Increased funding through UK Sport has played a key role in assisting the women’s program. Access to experts in areas such as physiotherapy, strength and conditioning and nutrition that wouldn’t have been available before.
GB’s roster combines players seeking different ways to continue their hockey careers.
Some are overseas combining study and playing at college or university. Others hold down full-time jobs in the UK, but perhaps the most familiar name to some is Casey Traill. Now 25, Traill was the first British player selected in the NWHL draft.
The tournament got underway yesterday with Latvia, Spain and Netherlands contesting Group E in Sheffield.
Great Britain opened its campaign with a 3-2 victory versus Latvia, while Netherlands defeated Spain 2-0 in the early game.
https://twitter.com/TeamGBicehockey/status/1867585796447871009
https://twitter.com/TeamGBicehockey/status/1867332298762293752
On paper, all four nations are closely matched.
Great Britain is ranked 21st, up two spots from the year before.
Latvia (27) and Spain (24) will be no pushovers but the favourites are 17th ranked Netherlands, whom Great Britain will meet on Game Day three this Sunday.
In an interview with the BCC, Head Coach Mike Clancy said “I’d like that [Netherlands] to be our gold medal game.”
Undoubtedly the Netherlands are strong favourites to progress as they compete a division up at the world stage. With that comes a deal of pressure and the Great Britain program is only getting stronger.
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