Great Britain’s Colin Shields says tonight’s game against Italy is a ‘massive test’ as GB aim for a third win in fourth matches at the World Championships.
Both sides have won two of their opening three games to sit alongside Kazakhstan on six points.
“Italy are a top-quality hockey nation and this will be a really tough game for us,” said Belfast Giants forward Shields.
“But we are showing we have a right to be at this level by our performances so far.
“Italy have been impressive this week, especially in their win over Kazakhstan, but we have already shown we can compete with the higher-level teams.”
Shields is the longest-serving GB player on the current roster with 87 caps to his name since making his debut in 2001.
“I have been involved in many tournaments for GB, but I have to say this is one of the more enjoyable,” he said.
“We did not really compete last time we were at this level in 2013 in this building, so it is great to come back and be doing so well.
“There’s a long way to go – and who knows what will happen – but we just have to keep the same attitude we have had all week.”
GB against Italy will face-off at 7.30pm this evening (6.30pm UK time).
Defencemen Stevie Lee says nobody is getting carried away despite an impressive start by GB in Hungary.
The players had a pre-game skate this morning preparing for their match against Italy.
Coach Pete Russell’s side started with a 3-1 victory over Slovenia, followed by a 6-1 defeat by Kazakhstan and then a come-from-behind 5-3 win against Poland.
“We just need to keep going and play the way we have been playing all tournament,” Nottingham Panthers blueliner Lee.
“We have quietly gone about our business this week and for sure we have shocked a few people.
“It is great to be back at this level and facing some of the top nations in the ice hockey world.
“The opening-day win over Slovenia gave us such a boost and we have carried the momentum on throughout the week.
“The Kazakhstan game showed we have work to do at this level, but we rebounded so well against Poland especially as we were trailing at the end of the second period.”
Lee makes his 41st appearance for GB this evening as they go head-to-head with the Italians in the Papp László Budapest Sportaréna.
“Italy look a very good side and their quality showed when they really turned aside Kazakhstan earlier in the tournament,” he says.
“But we just need to get our heads down and keep doing what we have been doing.
“It has been a really enjoyable tournament so far and we just want to keep on going.”
Andreas Bernard is the Italian netminder GB will face this evening.
He plays in the Finnish Liiga, having left his home of South Tyrol at the age of 19 and moved to Finland.
Bernard played under-20 hockey in Lappenranta close to the Russian border, had his first top-level senior league games in his second season and two years later tried his breakthrough in the second-tier league where he led Jukurit Mikkeli to the championship and was named best goaltender in the league. Two years followed as the backup for SaiPa Lappenranta before he moved to Assat Pori in 2015 where he has been the starting goalie ever since.
Last season he had his statistically best season, fourth in save percentage in the Finnish Liiga and was sixth in the playoff stats.
In the interview zone in Budapest he answers questions to reporters in his native languages of German and Italian, in English and even in Finnish.
“It’s tight in our group, one game will make the difference in this tournament,” says Bernard.
“You can never underestimate Great Britain and I think Slovenia will come out stronger, too.” he said.
World Championship group results so far and fixtures:
Wednesday, April 25
Italy 3, Kazakhstan 0
Great Britain 5, Poland 3
Slovenia 4, Hungary 1
Tuesday, April 24
Kazakhstan 6, Great Britain 1
Monday, April 23
Slovenia 2, Poland 4
Italy 2, Hungary 3
Sunday, April 22
Great Britain 3, Slovenia 1
Hungary 0, Kazakhstan 3
Poland 1, Italy 3
Schedule
Wednesday, 25 April
Italy 3, Kazakhstan 0
Great Britain 5, Poland 3
Slovenia 4, Hungary 1
Thursday, 26 April
Poland 2, Hungary 3
Friday, 27 April
Kazakhstan v Slovenia (15:00)
Italy v Great Britain (18:30)
Saturday, 28 April
Kazakhstan v Poland (11:30)
Slovenia v Italy (15:00)
Hungary v Great Britain (18:30)
Group standings
| R | Team | GP | W | OTW | OTL | L | GF:GA | PTS |
| 1 | KAZ | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9:4 | 6 |
| 2 | ITA | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8:4 | 6 |
| 3 | GBR | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9:10 | 6 |
| 4 | HUN | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7:11 | 6 |
| 5 | POL | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 10:13 | 3 |
| 6 | SLO | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7:8 | 3 |