Swindlehurst: Canada challenge is one we will relish

Great Britain defenceman Paul Swindlehurst says tonight’s mammoth challenge in facing the world’s number one seeds Canada is one that the team will relish.

Both GB and Canada go into the game on the back of defeats in their opening games, with GB beaten 3-1 by Germany and the Canadians losing 3-1 to Finland.

It’s the first meeting between the two sides since 1994 when Canada won 8-2 in Bolzano.

“This is obviously a high-profile game for us and one we are looking forward to playing in,” said Swindlehurst.

“They have quality throughout their line-up and it will be a massive, massive challenge for us.

“It is certainly one we are relishing and know we will be tested to our limits.”

GB first game in the top flight for 25 years yesterday saw a narrow defeat by Germany.

“I thought we gave it a good shot,” said Swindlehurst. “We probably had enough chances to win the game.

“But we let Germany score two quick goals and it was a bit of a battle after that.

“We can take a number of positives from that and take it forward for the rest of the tournament.”

GB against Canada gets under way at 8:15pm (7:15 UK) in the Steel Arena.