Great Britain’s games at next month’s World Championship in Latvia will be shown on free-to-air television in the UK on FreeSports.

The dedicated sports channel will cover 25 matches at the top-level competition, including the gold-medal game.

The 16-team tournament runs from 21st May to 6th June and is split into two groups of eight in Riga. There will be no relegation as no tournaments apart from the top flight are taking place this season because of the coronavirus pandemic.

GB will be based at the Olympic Sports Centre in Group A and will start their campaign against Russia on 22nd May, before facing Slovakia the following day.

Pete Russell’s side then face Denmark on 25th May, which will be followed by a match-up with Belarus the next day.

After taking-on Sweden on 28th May, GB meet the Czech Republic on 29th May and complete the group stage against Switzerland on 1st June.

Group B consists of hosts Latvia, as well as Canada, Finland, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, Norway and the USA. Matches will be held at the Arena Riga.

Andy French, General Secretary of Ice Hockey UK, said: “It is fantastic news that FreeSports will once again be showing GB in action at the World Championship.

“It’s massive for us to have the national side on free-to-air television, especially this season with the pandemic meaning our supporters will not be able to attend the tournament.

“We have a great relationship with FreeSports who have been long-time supporters of Great Britain – and we are thrilled to have them on-board with us in Latvia.”

Richard Webb, COO of Premier Sports, said: “We are delighted to extend our relationship with GB and broadcast every game from the IIHF World Championship live and free on FreeSports.

“Our free-to-air channel is widely available on all major platforms and via our online FreeSports Player, meaning fans won’t miss a minute of the action.

“We wish the team the very best of luck in the upcoming tournament.”

Commentary will come from four-time Olympic broadcaster Aaron Murphy and former GB forward Paul Adey who won 55 caps between 1995 and 2001, scoring 28 goals and contributing 24 assists for 52 points.

FreeSports is available free on Sky Channel 422, Virgin Media Channel 553, on Channel 64 on Freeview and BT and via the FreeSports Player.

GB fixtures
Saturday 22nd May – Great Britain v Russia – 16:15 face-off (14:15 UK time)
Sunday 23rd May – Great Britain v Slovakia – 12:15 face-off (10:15 UK time)
Tuesday 25th May – Great Britain v Denmark – 16:15 face-off (14:15 UK time)
Wednesday 26th May – Belarus v Great Britain – 20:15 face-off (18:15 UK time)
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)