Great Britain Must Stay Focused Says Forward David Clarke

Forward David Clarke says Great Britain must stay focused as they prepare for their second game at the World Ice Hockey Championships in Belfast.

GB, who beat Croatia 4-2 in their opening Division One group B match, host Estonia in the final game of day two at the SSE Arena on Monday (7.30pm).

That follows Japan v Croatia (12.30pm) and Lithuania v Netherlands (4pm).

“It is a long tournament so we must take it day-by-day,” said the Nottingham Panthers forward Clarke.

“There will be bumps along the way, but we all have one goal in mind over the next week.

“We have stay really focused and not get ahead of ourselves.”

Evan Mosey, who joined the GB camp from American League Rockford Ice Hogs, scored his first Great Britain goal against Croatia

“That is a huge win to start the tournament, and get some confidence with the guys,” said Mosey.

“Now we know how well we can play and know what was successful for us.

“We got in a little trouble down five on three but if we use our speed and play smart we can kill the penalties like we did at the end tonight.”

The Division 1 Group B tournament is the first held in the UK for 25 years, and Mosey said the home crowd can play their part during the week.

“The fans of Great Britain have supported this team throughout the years and it’s huge for them to have a tournament at home.

“They can give us a boost and maybe give a little advantage in the close games.”

GB team

Netminders: Ben Bowns (Cardiff Devils), Stephen Murphy (Belfast Giants), Thomas Murdy (Cardiff Devils, reserve).

Defence: Mark Garside (Belfast Giants), Steve Lee (Nottingham Panthers), Ben O’Connor (Sheffield Steelers), David Phillips (Sheffield Steelers), Mark Richardson (Cardiff Devils), Paul Swindlehurst (Manchester Storm), Jonathan Weaver (Telford Tigers).

Forwards: Brendan Brooks (Fife Flyers), David Clarke (Nottingham Panthers), Russell Cowley (Coventry Blaze), Robert Dowd (Sheffield Steelers), Sam Duggan (Orebro, Sweden), Robert Farmer (Nottingham Panthers), Robert Lachowicz (Nottingham Panthers), Evan Mosey (Rockford Ice Hogs, USA), Matthew Myers (Cardiff Devils), Craig Peacock (Braehead Clan), Jonathan Phillips (Sheffield Steelers), Colin Shields (Belfast Giants), Liam Stewart (Coventry Blaze).

World Championship results and fixtures in Belfast:

Sunday, April 23: Netherlands 1, Japan 6; GB 4, Croatia 2; Estonia 0, Lithuania 3.

Monday, April 24: 12.30pm Japan v Croatia; 4pm Lithuania v Netherlands; 7.30pm GB v Estonia.

Wednesday, April 26: 12.30pm Japan v Estonia; 4pm Netherlands v Croatia; 7.30pm GB v Lithuania.

Friday, April 28: 12.30pm Lithuania v Japan, 4pm Croatia v Estonia; 7.30pm.

Saturday, April 29: 12.30pm Lithuania v Croatia; 4pm Estonia v Netherlands; 7.30pm GB v Japan.