It’s been a difficult return for Great Britain to the top flight of the Ice Hockey World Championships this year in the Czech Republic.

Last year, GB were in Division 1 after three years in the Top Division but gained promotion courtesy of a win against Italy.

In 2019, GB’s first year in the Top Division since 1994, they lost heavily to Denmark, Slovakia and Canada by a combined score of 24 goals to one.

This year however, GB have been competitive in most games, losing 4-3 to Denmark and 4-2 to Canada, the only outlier being an 8-0 drubbing against Finland.

“If you look at us this year, compared to the first year we were in this division it’s night and day,” said forward Ben Davies.

“We had a bad period against Finland where we let five goals in and the scoreline got away from us but other than that we’ve been there or there abouts with all these top teams and they’ve been bringing some of their big superstars over.

“The game against Denmark was the difficult one, we played really well just a couple of errors and the quality of players in this division you don’t get to give those up.

“We’ve gained a lot of experience in this division but it is hard going into these games and losing them, we haven’t picked up points as a team yet but we’re looking to do that in the next two games.”

With two games remaining, GB face a battle to remain in the division, sitting eighth of eight in Pool A trailing Norway by three points after their loss to Austria on Sunday.

The team which finishes bottom of their pool will be relegated, but with three points for a win within normal time and 2 points for one in over time, Great Britain could still overhaul Norway and keep their place in the Top Division.

Remaining in the top 16 sides in the World would be considered an achievement for GB as they are currently ranked 20^th in the world.

“It’s in our hands, we’ve taken Norway to overtime before,” said Davies.

“Norway have some firepower and a few NHL players on their team but we know we’re a well-structured team and play hard.”

“We went down two years ago and popped straight back up and I think that’s testament to where we are as a national team.

“We’re striving to stay in this division and the longer we do that and are able to compete with the speed and pace of the game which is so different to what we’re used to in the domestic Elite league and of Division 1.

“There’s a communal gym so you’re rubbing shoulders with everyone and you see the superstars walking around and we believe we should be here.”

For Davies the experience in front of fervent Czech crowds will live long in the memory.

“It’s super fun. Yesterday we played in front of 17,000 Czech fans and it was bouncing in there, mascots firing one side then the other and you try to take a bit of that in whilst also staying focused on the game,” said Davies.

“That life experience is something which will stay with me and all the boys for the rest of our careers, probably the best atmospheres I’ve played in front of.

“Every game is having 15,000 people which is bonkers, it’s been a good tournament so far.

“My sister Poppy and Dad came out for the Denmark game but the rest of the family are at home watching and I’m looking forward to getting back to see my fiancée and 13-month-old son.

“I’ve been trying to get on Facetime with him every day but he’s got better things to do right now.”

The tournament could mark a memorable milestone for Davies more than 10 years after his debut.

“Every time I get to put the jersey on it’s like the first time really,” said Davies.

“Any time I get to wear the jersey I’m going to jump at the chance, I want to play for the National team as long as I’m playing really.

“I don’t want to jinx things but I’m two caps away from my 50^th cap so that would be special if I was to get that in two days time, that would be awesome and I’d be super honoured for that.”

Cardiff-born Davies plays for Cardiff Devils in the Elite Ice Hockey league and this season marks his 10^th season at the club over two stints. He is set to have a testimonial on the 1^st of June to acknowledge the achievement.

“I love to see the club competing every year, I’m a Cardiff boy and it’s what the fans deserve,” said Davies.

“I don’t take it for granted playing for Cardiff, I love doing it, the year just gone was my 10^th year and I’m proud to have played for the club for so long.

“There aren’t too many who get honoured with testimonials throughout the league and being a Welsh boy, I think it’s really special and I’m excited to bring some old teammates back for it.”

Davies will be welcoming several former Devils teammates back to the Vindico Arena including players he played with through the juniors.

There he will be hoping to continue to inspire the next generation of Welsh skaters.

“There’s players coming through and Cardiff has been a hotbed for talent in the past and some good players have come through and had opportunities to play with the Devils,” said Davies.

“With there being 15 imports in the league and Cardiff having some good British players, it’s very hard for British players or youngsters to have opportunities to play in the Elite league.

“When I broke through at Cardiff there were only 11 or maybe 10 imports so when there were injuries there were opportunities for me to play on the third line and play a role, whereas that’s not really the case now, if there’s an injury they bring another import in.

“I think all of us on the national team that the number of imports should be reduced as 15 is not helping the development of British players and it’s forcing British players out it’s not good.”

“I’m hoping there are British players getting an opportunity to come through and Cardiff players, to make it as a career because I’ve been very fortunate to be able to do that over the last 15 years professionally and get all those memories.”

 

Photograph –  Dean Woolley