Great Britain forward Ashley Tait says his hunger to succeed is as big as ever as he prepares to play in his 17th World Championship.
GB arrived in Zagreb yesterday (Thursday) and have two on-ice training sessions today as they continue their build-up to Sunday’s opener against hosts Croatia.
Britain will also come up against Estonia, Lithuania Romania and Ukraine in the six-team Division 1B tournament.
Tait, who turns 41 in August, said: “I think my hunger now is even more so than that first World Championship.
“At that tournamaent I don’t think I was aware of what I was getting myself into.
“Over the years you appreciate the chances more and especially after not travelling last year.
“It gave me something to go at this year and I was determined to make people take notice again.”
Apart from the withdrawal of netminder Stephen Murphy, GB head coach Pete Russell had a fully-fit squad to choose from for this tournament.
Tait feels there is a good blend of youth and exeperience in the 23-man squad.
“We have a large group of players who have been together a while now,” continued Tait.
“I think you can see that every time we get together. Everybody has grown together over the years as well.
“Then the younger guys are coming through and it is important for them to get a feel of what it is about.”