Great Britain will begin their World Championship campaign in Switzerland with another tough meeting with Germany.
The schedule for the 2020 competition was released by IIHF with Pete Russell’s side heading to Lausanne for their Group A campaign.
Slovakia, who hosted this year’s competition will be next up with games to come against Denmark, Czech Republic, Canada, Sweden and Belarus, who were promoted into the top group this year.
GB kept their place at the top level following a dramatic 4-3 overtime win against France, who they relegated, courtesy of Ben Davies’ winning goal.
The newly-built Vaudoise Arena in Lausanne will host GB in the World Championships next year (PHOTO: Atelier Brunecky)
It was the only win of the tournament as the Brits held their own against their more glamorous opponents.
However their hopes of repeating the heroics in Kosice have been made more difficult because Belarus will be exempt from relegation if they finish bottom of the group because they will co-host the 2021 tournament in Latvia.
This would mean a second from bottom placing may not be enough for GB to escape the drop back to Division 1A.
The top four from each group will make up the quarter finals.
Holders Finland are in Group B, who will play their games in Zurich and will take on USA in their opening game as they look to defend their crown.
WATCH: Ben Davies’ big moment that secured a second year in the top flight for GB
FIXTURES:
Saturday 9 May:
Germany vs Great Britain
Sunday 10 May:
Great Britain vs Slovakia
Tuesday 12 May:
Great Britain vs Denmark
Wednesday 13 May:
Czech Republic vs Great Britain
Friday 15 May:
Great Britain vs Canada
Sunday 17 May:
Sweden vs Great Britain
Monday 18 May:
Belarus vs Great Britain
