Great Britain begin their World Championship campaign this lunchtime against world number one Canada at the O2 Arena in Prague at 12:20 (11:20am UK time).
After promotion in Nottingham last year, GB are set to take part in the top flight of the World Championship for the fourth time in the past five editions.
The World Championship is the biggest yearly event on the ice hockey calendar and GB this year are based in Group A in the stunning 17,383-seater 02 Arena.
The building is the third-largest ice hockey rink in Europe and was opened in March 2004. It hosted its first World Championship in the same year and again in 2015.
GB warmed-up for the tournament with two wins over Poland as a 3-1 victory at Planet Ice Leeds was followed by a 2-1 success after penalty-shots at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham.
The first part of this week was spent in the Czechia in the town of Slany which included a game against Kazakhstan.
GB more than matched their higher-ranked opponents but eventually lost 5-2 with Kazakhstan sealing the win with an empty-net goal.
Team News
GB have a fully-fit squad to choose from so will confirm their 22-player starting roster ahead of face-off.
Robert Dowd, who missed the warm-up games against Poland and Kazakhstan, is available for selection.
Canada added Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares to their roster yesterday to play in his first World Championship since 2012.
Last year’s number one NHL Draft Pick, forward Connor Bedard, is also part of the Canadian roster.
Previous Meetings
Britain’s last success over Canada came at the 1936 Winter Olympics as a famous 2-1 win helped secure GB the gold medal.
Period scores of 1-1, 0-0, 1-0 saw GB to the victory which ultimately proved the difference in the final standings, as Britain pipped Canada to gold by one point.
The last meeting between the two sides was in the 2019 World Championship in Kosice, Slovakia.
Canada skated to an 8-0 victory but GB won praise for their performance against one of the best nations in the world.
Watch live on Premier Sports
All of GB’s games are being shown on Premier Sports with commentary from Aaron Murphy and former GB forward Paul Adey.
Click here to find more details on how to subscribe.
Great Britain World Championship schedule
Saturday 11th May – Great Britain v Canada – 12:20 (11:20 UK)
Sunday 12th May – Finland v Great Britain – 12:20 (11:20 UK)
Wednesday 15th May – Switzerland v Great Britain – 20:20 (19:20 UK)
Friday 17th May – Great Britain v Denmark – 16:20 (15:20 UK)
Saturday 18th May – Czechia v Great Britain – 20:20 (19:20 UK)
Monday 20th May – Great Britain v Norway – 16:20 (15:20 UK)
Tuesday 21st May – Austria v Great Britain – 12:20 (11:20 UK)
