GB ice hockey to face Norway and Poland in lead up to World Championship

The Great Britain team will welcome Norway, who earlier this month qualified for the 2018 Winter Olympics, to Nottingham's National Ice Centre on November 1, before facing them again the following night in Cardiff.

In April, Nottingham will once again be the setting as Great Britain host Poland on the 14th, before both teams travel to Coventry to play again on the 15th.

The World Championship (Division 1B) kicks off a week later on April 23 at Belfast's SSE Arena, and Great Britain head coach Pete Russell insists the extra time together can only benefit his team.

"This will give us a better opportunity to evaluate all our players in a competitive environment and to give us the opportunity to implement our philosophy and systems," he said.

"Having this extra time together for part of the international break is a huge step forward, not only for this season but for the future of GB hockey.

"It's a very positive move and it's all down to people working together to make steps to create a better process for our national team."

Sportsbeat 2016