Cardiff Devils defenceman Mark Richardson says Great Britain’s upcoming international games are “vital preparation” ahead of next month’s World Championship in Finland.
Matches against Italy in Milton Keynes on Thursday 5th May (7:30pm) and in Coventry on Tuesday 10th May (7:30pm) were confirmed yesterday to go with the already-announced games with Denmark.
GB and Denmark will meet at the Skydome in Coventry on Saturday 7th May (7pm) and Nottingham’s National Ice Centre on Sunday 8th May (4pm).
“Training camp is always an important part of preparing for a World Championship,” said Richardson.
“This year, with the late finish to the Elite League season, training camp will be shorter so every moment counts.
“Getting game-time is also vital and hopefully I will be selected as it will be great to be face quality opposition in Denmark and Italy.
“They will both give us huge tests and that’s what we need ahead of the tournament in Finland.”
The World Championship is taking place in Helsinki and Tampere from 13th to 29th May
GB are in Group B alongside Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden and the USA, with matches being played at the 13,500-seater Tampere Deck Arena.
“Its been a great journey and none of us want that to end,” added Richardson. “Competition for places on the roster is as intense as ever.
“We have a lot of depth and some great British talent at the moment, so we know we can be competitive whoever ends up on the roster for Finland.”
Ticket prices
Adult – £20
Student/OAP – £15
Child – £13
Please note: Ticket prices will be subject to each individual arena’s booking fee.
Click here to buy tickets for GB v Italy at Planet Ice Milton Keynes on Thursday 5th May (7:30pm).
Click here to buy tickets for GB v Denmark at the Skydome in Coventry on Saturday 7th May (7pm).
Click here to buy tickets for GB v Denmark at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham on Sunday 8th May (4pm).
Click here to buy tickets for GB v Italy at the Skydome in Coventry on Tuesday 10th May (7:30pm).
Photo credit: Dean Woolley.