Sheffield Steelers defenceman Ben O’Connor says the squad is in good shape ahead of their first game in the Olympic Pre-Qualifiers in Cortina.
GB had two on-ice sessions in Coventry on Tuesday before flying out to Italy on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s opening game with Netherlands.
“We had a productive day on Tuesday and I think it is important in our preparation for such a big tournament,” said O’Connor.
“It was excellent to get the squad together and go through some important finer details for the next few days.
“Everyone’s spirits are high and it is good to spend time with the boys again.”
After facing Netherlands, GB take on the unknown quality of Serbia who came through the first qualifying rounds and they round the tournament off with a match against hosts Italy.
“We are going to have to turn up every night,” continued O’Connor.
“There is no time to feel your way into the tournament, you have to be focused from the first face-off.
“We came through this stage four years ago and there is no reason why we can’t do it again.
“But we must not take a shift off throughout the next few games.
“Everyone is looking forward to beginning our Olympic journey.
“It is very special to wear the GB shirt and that extra bit special with it being an Olympic qualifier.”