The GB Sledge Hockey team took to the ice for a second day against Poland in a battle to qualify for the playoffs in the 2013 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships (Pool B.)
GB travelled to Nagano, hoping to fulfil their dreams of progressing the sport and continuing their journey to qualify for the Winter Paralympics being held in Sochi, Russia in 2014.
After an inspirational pre-game talk from Head Coach, Andy Linton, Great Britain got into the game straight from the first puck drop. The first period saw hard challenges on both sides with GB establishing control over the game with great puck control.
Period 2 saw GB dominate the game scoring three goals with most of the action in the Polish end and whilst Poland turned up the pressure in the third period it was too late and GB secured the victory. Both sides had numerous scoring chances with GB having 19 shots on goal whilst Poland were restricted to just 8 shots on goal..
The team has built on a strong playbook developed by Head Coach Andy Linton and due to their hard work and dedication that is paying off now with GB Sledge a serious contender in the world stage.
Dean Samuel, Assistant Coach for GB Sledge Hockey, said:
“Travelling to Japan with the GB Team has been a privilege and seeing how the team has progressed in the last 6 months is truly inspirational. Against Poland the guys played as a team and kept tight control of the puck controlling the game. 8-0 is a fantastic result which will prepare the team well for the game against Germany in two days’ time.”
Net Minder Robin Gaze, said:
“After all the training it is great to see it pay off, both games have been hard and competitive. The team played a hard, well-structured game which made it easier on the Netminder. This is a vital step on the sports progression in UK and it makes me proud to represent my country. Poland played well and in the end we just wanted to win more. To get my first International shut out is the icing on the cake.”
Morale is high within the camp and GB look forward to the next game against Germany in one of the pivotal matches of the tournament.
