Forward David Clarke says there is no room for error as Great Britain get ready to embark on their latest World Championship campaign.
Pete Russell’s side arrived in Zagreb yesterday and will now have two on-ice training sessions today and another on Saturday.
GB begin their Division 1B tournament on Sunday when they come up hosts Croatia in the six-team group.
“We’ve had good preparation and have a couple more days to go, but to be honest there is no room for error,” said Clarke.
“That first game is huge and it sets the tone for the tournament. It is important we come out of that with a good result.
“We have talked about it and had meetings. The coaching staff have drilled that into us.
“It is just about being prepared and ready to go from day one.
“It is a hard week – five games in seven days – but there is a lot on the line.
“We have to be ready to get something from day one.”
GB won a silver medal at last year’s tournament in Netherlands and they also began that competition with a game against Croatia.
Britain were 2-0 down with seven minutes to go before Ben O’Connor scored at 52:57 and Mark Richardson netted the equaliser with five seconds remaining.
Richardson then went onto score the overtime winner just 11 seconds into the extra period.
Clarke, who will win his 83rd cap on Sunday, said: “You just have to start well and you have to play well.
“Croatia are going to be a big force in this tournament and we just have to be prepared.”