Forward Jonathan Phillips says competition for places is as fierce as ever as Great Britain’s 28-man squad completed their first day of training camp.

GB are currently based at the Skydome ahead of two matches against Poland this weekend as part of their preparations for this year’s World Championship in Zagreb.

The two sides go head-to-head at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham on Saturday, before meeting again in the Skydome on Sunday.

Phillips said: “I know everyone is looking forward to training camp and it will be a real battle to make it into the final 23.

“Some GB regulars were left out of this squad of 28, so that shows that the competition is tough to make it into the final party.

“We have a deep pool of players and there will be some disappointed players when the final 23 is announced.

“I think that will make training camp competitive and it will be great preparation to get us ready for Zagreb.

“The two Poland games will be fantastic encounters I am sure, if last year is anything to go by.

“Hopefully the fans will come out and support us in their numbers at the weekend.”

GB, who won the silver medal at last year’s tournament in Netherlands, will take part in Division 1B of the World Championship from 17th to 23rd April.

As well as facing hosts Croatia, they will also come up against Estonia, Lithuania, Romania and Ukraine.

To buy tickets for GB against Poland in Nottingham please click here and for the game in Coventry please click here.

Alternatively you can visit the respective box offices in person or telephone 0843 373 3000 (Nottingham) or 02476 630693 (Coventry).

(Image permission: IceHockeyMedia)