Lee arrives in time for Slovenia test

The 19-year-old was forced to miss the team's overnight journey by coach to the former Yugoslav republic on Friday after being hospitalised the night before with a virus while at the team training camp.

But the former Hull Stingrays blue-liner, now at Nottingham Panthers, enlisted the help of his enthusiastic father Chris to drive him the through the night on a 1,870-mile journey.

Head coach Paul Thompson's side face their toughtest test of the tournament on Tuesday evening when they take on hosts and favourites Slovenia.

Lee arrived early on Tuesday morning in time to join the final practice session with the rest of the squad and is expected to play his part at the Tivoli Sports Centre against a team ranked six places above them in the IIHF world rankings and who are desperate to return to the world's top tier where they were only two years ago.

"I feel a lot better than I did last week," said Lee.

"Th best feeling of all though was arriving here, seeing the guys and feeling part of the team once again.

"Dad did the majority of the driving and I think he kind of enjoyed it as well, the whole racing against the clock for Queen and country thing."

Thompson was quick to praise his young defenceman and confirmed he would be ready to face Slovenia on Tuesday night (6.00).

Listen to head coach Paul Thompson talk about his side's chances against Slovenia by going to our SPORTS TALK PODCAST and moving along to around the 35-minute mark.

"It tells you a lot about the lad doesn't it?" said Thompson.

"Many would have stayed at home, put their feet up and thought 'well there is always next year.'

"I give him him and his family full credit, he worked hard to be a part of this team during the season and he wasn't going to let this chance slip away.

"Right now his addition is most welcome as we are short at the back end, he will be thrown right into the fire against Slovenia.

"We skate as well as they (Slovenia) do and if we can stay disciplined and take our chances when they come then there isn't any reason why we can't upset them and win the game."

To watch GB prepare for their World Championship campaign go HERE