Gutted Thomas backs team-mates to help GB deliver

Defenceman Mark Thomas admits he is gutted to be missing out on Great Britain's latest World Championship challenge but has backed his team-mates to return home successful.

The 26-year-old Sheffield Steelers blue liner was part of the British squad which brought home an unexpected bronze medal from last year's Division 1 Group B tournament in Poland.

They will warm up for this year's tournament in Slovenia – which begins next Saturday – with two games against the Netherlands, the second of which will take place at Ice Sheffield tomorrow (4pm).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thomas has been ruled out after sustaining a hand injury in the Elite League play-off defeat to Cardiff Devils a fortnight ago, although Steelers' team-mates Jonathan Phillips, Jason Hewitt and Robert Dowd will make the trip with head coach Paul Thompson's squad., currently ranked 24th in the world.

And Thomas – who hopes to return for a fifth full season with Steelers in the autumn – believes it will prove a successful week when Team GB take on the host nation along with Hungary, Poland, Croatia and Korea.

"I'm gutted to be missing out. It's always a good way to finish the season," said Thomas.

"It's probably a harder group than last year but, even with some key players likely to be missing, I'm sure there is enough strength in depth to be successful again."