Cortina has been confirmed as the venue for Great Britain’s Olympic pre-qualifying tournament next year.
Italy will host the tournament as top seeds and the town in the Alps was confirmed at the IIHF’s Semi-Annual Congress today.
GB and Italy will be joined by Netherlands and also a qualifier from the preliminary round, being held in November.
The four-team tournament will run from 11th to 14th February 2016.
GB head coach, Pete Russell, said: “It is exciting to learn the venue for the beginning of our Olympic journey.
“To lead Great Britain in an Olympic qualifier is going to be a very proud moment for me.
“We showed at last year’s World Championship that we can beat quality ice hockey nations.
“We as yet do not know the final team in the group, but we know the tough match that Netherlands can give us.
“Pitting our wits against Italy will be exciting and something that everyone is looking forward to doing.
“Of course, it’s a real challenge but this group will be ready for the battle.
“I have complete faith in this group of players and we all know how good they can be.
“I can’t wait to get got going and I’m sure all our GB staff and players feel exactly the same.”
Olympic pre-qualifing schedule – 11th to 14th February 2016 – Cortina, Italy
Wednesday 10th February
Arrival day
Thursday 11th February
5:30pm – GB v Netherlands
8:45pm – Italy v Qualifier
Friday 12th February
Day off
Saturday 13th February
5:30pm – GB v Qualifier
8:45pm – Italy v Netherlands
Sunday 14th February
5:30pm – Netherlands v Qualifier
8:45pm – Italy v GB