Ahead of Great Britain’s World Championship opener against Russia this afternoon, forward Jonathan Phillips says the team’s aim is to show the hockey world they belong in the top group.

It’s GB second successive campaign at the top level after avoiding relegation in the final game in Slovakia in 2019, coming from 3-0 down to beat France 4-3 in overtime.

Defenceman David Clements says he is “enjoying every minute” of his World Championship journey so far as Great Britain undergo their final preparations for their opening match against Russia tomorrow.

Great Britain have confirmed Jonathan Phillips as captain for the World Championship in Latvia, with the assistants named as Robert Dowd and Mark Richardson

Defenceman Josh Tetlow says his first Great Britain tournament has been a “surreal experience” so far.

GB arrived in Latvia on Sunday and have been preparing for tomorrow’s World Championship opener against Russia, who are ranked second in the world.

Forward Robert Dowd believes the experience Great Britain gained from the 2019 World Championship in Slovakia will be vital in this year’s tournament

Forward Lewis Hook says he is “super excited” to represent Great Britain at the World Championship in Latvia.
GB are based in the Group A venue of the Olympic Sports Centre for the tournament and they start against Russia on Saturday, before facing Slovakia, Denmark, Belarus, Sweden, Czech Republic and Switzerland.

It’s been a difficult season for British hockey. While the country’s more prominent sports have been able to continue playing behind closed doors thanks to TV and sponsorship deals, the Elite League was unable to start. At lower levels, the enforced closure of indoor arenas for much of the past 12 months halted opportunities for individual on-ice practice. Several players sought opportunities in Europe, others were out of action until Britain’s domestic leagues were able to organise mini-tournaments funded by selling access to broadcast streams. These abbreviated competitions at least gave a chance for most players to get some game time in preparation for the trip to Latvia.

Great Britain will be led by co-coaches Adam Keefe and Corey Neilson at the World Championship in Latvia.
GB head coach Pete Russell will remain in the UK with his family after only returning from Germany a couple of days ago.
Russell led his DEL2 side Freiburg to the semi-final round of the playoffs, before losing in five games to Bietigheim-Bissingen.