Great Britain forward Ollie Betteridge says the team’s expectations are even higher at this year’s World Championship compared to their heroics in 2019.
Two years ago, GB stunned the hockey world by coming from 3-0 down to beat France 4-3 in overtime to secure their status in the world’s elite.
In five matches so far in Group A they have already doubled their points tally from 2019, thanks to a 4-3 victory over Belarus and a 3-2 overtime defeat by Denmark.
“We’ve had some fantastic games and some great results so far,” said Betteridge who won his 20th cap in Friday afternoon’s 4-1 defeat by Sweden, who are ranked fourth in the world.
“It shows how far we have come as a nation that we come into games now that we don’t expect to lose.
“We want to compete every single night as we go up against these players who are the best in the world.”
GB are quickly back into action as they play the first game of the day tomorrow against Czech Republic (10:15am UK time).
“We need to get our recovery tonight and try and do the same tomorrow as we’ve been doing all week,” added Betteridge.
“It’s important to rest and get our minds focused for another important game against a top hockey nation.”
All of GB’s games are live on FreeSports in the UK. FreeSports is available free on Sky Channel 422, Virgin Media Channel 553, on Channel 64 on Freeview and BT and via the FreeSports Player.
IIHF 2021 World Championship – GB results and fixtures
Saturday 22nd May – Great Britain 1-7 Russia – Goal: Liam Kirk
Sunday 23rd May – Great Britain 1-2 Slovakia – Goal: Liam Kirk
Tuesday 25th May – Great Britain 2-3 Denmark (overtime) – Goals: Ben O’Connor, Mike Hammond
Wednesday 26th May – Belarus 3-4 Great Britain – Goals: Liam Kirk 2, Ben Davies, Mike Hammond
Friday 28th May – Sweden 4-1 Great Britain – Goal: Liam Kirk
Saturday 29th May – Czech Republic v Great Britain – 12:15 face-off (10:15 UK time)
Tuesday 1st June – Switzerland v Great Britain – 12:15 face-off (10:15 UK time)
Photo credit: Dean Woolley.