Poland and Great Britain ready for next year’s World Cup: “a dream come true”

Next week, the World Cup begins in Tampere, Finland, where Trey Croner will announce his team on Tuesday. But this week the less glamorous B-WC was decided in Nottingham, Great Britain.

Ahead of the final round of the 6-team group, Great Britain, Poland and Italy have three teams in with a chance of securing two spots at next year’s World Cup.

Poland was the first to advance. After the 6-2 win over Romania, for the first time since 2002, it is clear that the country will compete against the best hockey nations in the coming years.

– That’s great. I’ve worked for this all my life, we all have. “It’s a dream come true for all of us,” forward Alan Liszarczyk told the IIHF’s website.

🥲🥲🥲 pic.twitter.com/lRStJdkTFP

— Poland Puck (@PolandHockey) May 5, 2023

The match ended with a match between Italy and Great Britain, where a cross was enough for the home team after regular time. After a grueling third period, Great Britain managed to open the cage to decide 5-3 goals with just over two minutes remaining. Then the joy knew no bounds on the ice or in the arena.

– I’ve never been a part of such a well-knit group of guys. It’s awesome. We couldn’t ask for anything better. Mike Hammond, who had a goal and two assists in the decisive game, said home field, gold medal, and promotion.

These scenes! 😍@TeamGBicehockey They booked their place at the 2024 World Championship with a thrilling win over Italy in Nottingham last night 🏒 pic.twitter.com/w9W4ihZSAR

— Team GB (@TeamGB) May 6, 2023

For Leksand goalkeeper Mantas Armalis and his Lithuania, the matches were not happy. The team finished last, forcing them to drop out of a division until next year. Armalis had a save percentage of 89.76 in his four games.