“No stone unturned” in GB Ice Hockey promotion quest

Sheffield Steelers forward Jonathan Phillips says “no stone will be left unturned“ when Great Britain go in search of World Championship promotion next month.

GB will face hosts Lithuania, along with Croatia, Netherlands, Poland and Romania, in the six-team IIHF tournament from 20th to 26th April.

However, Doug Christiansen’s side have a two-week training camp as preparation next month and also back-to-back matches with Netherlands.

The two sides go head-to-head at Ice Sheffield (7:30pm) on Saturday 12th April and the two sides meet again a day later in the Skydome in Coventry (5:15pm).

Phillips, currently in the 28-man squad, said: “It is fantastic that we have so much preparation for this important tournament.

“It was a disappointment to get relegated last year but that is behind us now.

“We can only look to the future and we are going there by being the most prepared we have been for a while.

“We have a fantastic coaching, management and back room staff, who will make sure we prepare in the best possible way.

“The spirit in the GB camp has been fantastic for years and I know it will be no different this time.

“We know what we have to achieve and we are very determined and focused.“

GB v NETHERLANDS TICKET PRICES

(Purchased before midnight on Sunday 6th April 2014)

Adult: £14
OAP & NUS: £10
Under-16: £7
Family (2 adult & 2 children): £36

(Purchased after midnight on Sunday 6th April 2014)

Adult: £17
OAP & NUS: £12
Under-16: £9
Family (2 adult & 2 children): £45

Ice Sheffield ticket details: Customers can purchase tickets via www.sivtickets.com or telephone 0114 2233777. They can also be bought in person at Sheffield City Hall, Crucible Theatres or the Motorpoint Arena.

Skydome Arena ticket details: Customers can call 02476 630693 or via the website www.planet-ice.co.uk/coventry.