Russell looking forward to home comforts

Great Britain’s Men’s coach Pete Russell says the Winter Olympic qualifying tournament on home ice is a good thing as his team prepare for their first game.

GB take on Romania in their opening game tonight (Thursday) as they begin on their path that could potentially lead to the games in Beijing in 2022.

For Russell, it’s the first time he’s been reunited with his team after the World Championships last year in Slovakia and he’s happy with his team.

“It’s great to be back at home and great to see the guys again,” he said. “I haven’t seen them for a while, but I think we’ve got a good team.

WATCH: GB in Winter Olympic qualifying

“There’s a good atmosphere, but it’s been really quick as we’ve only really got three sessions before we get underway.

“It was difficult to pick a 22-man team, especially down the bottom end and there were a couple of hard picks.

“I like the team though and there are some new pieces there and they’re all getting on well, which is the important thing.

“Whatever tournament at home is a good thing is awesome.  The fans get the chance to watch some of the best players in the country play.

“It doesn’t happen all the time and the association have done a great job.  We have to make sure we do our job well against three tough teams and see where we go.”