Serbia Join GB in Italy

Great Britain Men now know the completed Group G for February’s Olympic pre-qualifiers in Italy.
Serbia will join GB, Italy and Netherlands in the tournament in the mountains of Cortina.

The tournament will run from 11th to 14th February 2016 with the winners of the four-team group progressing to the final qualification stage in September 2016.

Serbia beat Spain 5-3 in Valdemoro on Sunday in a winner-takes-all encounter to top their preliminary round qualifying group.

Italy, ranked 18th in the world, will be the number-one seed in the competition, followed by GB (23rd), Netherlands (24th) and Serbia (29th).

Ice Hockey UK general secretary, Andy French, said: “It is fantastic for Serbia and I am sure they are thrilled to make the next stage, so congratulations to them.

“The preparations from our coaching staff and management is already well under way.

“Olympic qualifying is always very special and there will be a lot of attention of GB in the coming months.

“I know a lot of supporters are travelling out to Italy and I know they will give us the usual fantastic backing.”

A full schedule for the tournament will be announced shortly.