GB undergo first training session in Slovakia

GB, who arrived in Slovakia last night, have two sessions today ahead of tomorrow’s game with the hosts in Poprad (3pm UK time).

The squad will remain at their base in Michalovce next week until moving to Kosice on Thursday ahead of next Saturday’s opening game with Germany.

Head coach, Pete Russell, said: “It was a good session and I felt everyone looked refreshed after a few days off.

“We had a very intense training camp in Coventry and four tough games, so some rest was important for the boys.

“We are looking forward to testing ourselves against Slovakia tomorrow and it will give us a real indication of what to expect in the coming days.

“The base here in Michalovce is fantastic and we have been looked after really well.”

As well as on-ice practices, the GB players will visit a local primary school, practise with local juniors and they have an official engagement with the Mayor of Michalovce and Andy Garth, the UK ambassador for Slovakia.

GB will play in their first top-flight World Championship since 1994 when they face Germany, Canada, Denmark, USA, Finland, Slovakia and France from 11th to 20th May in Group A in Kosice.