Batch: Spirit Is Great Ahead Of Showdown

Defenceman Josh Batch says the mood in the Great Britain camp is excellent ahead of this evening’s winner-takes-all encounter with hosts Italy.

Both sides have beaten Netherlands and Serbia in the Olympic Pre-Qualifiers in Cortina and only one team can progress to the final qualifying stages in September.

GB beat Netherlands 6-5 on Thursday and then defeated Serbia 6-2 yesterday and Batch says the spirit is as high as ever.

“We are in great spirits and the attitude is excellent,” said Batch, who will win his eighth international cap tonight.

“Everyone is focused on the goal and it is what we came here to do.

“But we know that Italy will be tough opponents and we have to treat them with respect.

“They looked good in both of their games and they are an excellent hockey nation.

“We have had a positive attitude in all our games so far, despite not playing well all the time.

“We stuck at it and have been rewarded and now we have a chance to move a step further in qualifying.”

GB against Italy faces-off at 8:45pm local time this evening (7:45pm UK time) and the winners will progress through to Final Qualifying for the 2018 Winter Olympics.