Great Britain netminder Ben Bowns says he is spurred on by the hurt of missing out on promotion at last year’s World Championship in Netherlands.
GB won their first four matches at last season’s Division 1B tournament and only needed a point in their final game against Lithuania.
But Britain slipped to a 3-2 defeat with Lithuania scoring their winner with only seven minutes reamaining.
“I don’t think I have ever felt so down as I did when we lost that game last year,” said Bowns.
“I was devastated. We had in our grasp to win the gold medal and we let it slip.
“It really was so disappointing and it took me a long while to get over it.
“All the boys were gutted. I don’t think I have ever heard a dressing room so quiet.
“But we can learn from that and we can use it to spur us on.”
GB completed their training camp in Coventry yesterday and fly to Zagreb today ahead of their opening game against hosts Croatia on Sunday.
Britain will also face Estonia, Lithuania, Romania and Ukraine in the six-team group.
“I think we have a very strong side this year,” said Bowns.
“We have had a great training camp together and everyone is in good spirits.
“The squad is focused and everyone looks ready for action.
“It will be an intense week but I know everyone is all set for that first game against Croatia.”