Defenceman David Clements says there is a “really exciting buzz” around the dressing room as Great Britain prepare for their World Championship game with Sweden, who are ranked fourth in the world.
GB, who are sixth in Group A, meet eighth-placed Sweden at the Olympic Sports Centre on the back of Wednesday’s 4-3 victory over Belarus.
“All through our camp and through the championships so far, we have had it instilled in us that we believe,” said Clements.
“What this team has done in the past three or four years has been unbelievable. We go into any game fighting and believing.
“We have got better since our first game against Russia, which we weren’t happy with, but we keep improving. We are happy with what we have done so far and I think it is just going to get better.
“There is a really exciting buzz around our room right now and we are really excited to see what happens in the next week.”
Clements is playing in his first World Championship for GB and has played in all four games so far, since making his debut against Russia.
“It’s an unbelievable experience,” added Clements. “You get to play against some of the best players in the world.
“It is a bit surreal and amazing to play against some of these players, but it’s a great time personally for my career.
“It’s just an honour to represent this country in the top pool on one of the biggest stages in the world.”
GB against Sweden gets under way at 14:15 UK time this afternoon.
All of GB’s games are live on FreeSports in the UK. FreeSports is available free on Sky Channel 422, Virgin Media Channel 553, on Channel 64 on Freeview and BT and via the FreeSports Player.
IIHF 2021 World Championship – GB results and fixtures
Saturday 22nd May – Great Britain 1-7 Russia – Goal: Liam Kirk
Sunday 23rd May – Great Britain 1-2 Slovakia – Goal: Liam Kirk
Tuesday 25th May – Great Britain 2-3 Denmark (overtime) – Goals: Ben O’Connor, Mike Hammond
Wednesday 26th May – Belarus 3-4 Great Britain – Goals: Liam Kirk 2, Ben Davies, Mike Hammond
Friday 28th May – Sweden v Great Britain – 16:15 face-off (14:15 UK time)
Saturday 29th May – Czech Republic v Great Britain – 12:15 face-off (10:15 UK time)
Tuesday 1st June – Switzerland v Great Britain – 12:15 face-off (10:15 UK time)
Photo credit: Dean Woolley.