GB ICE HOCKEY: Forward Ashley Tait says team spirit has played a huge part in Great Britain’s run to the final stages of qualification for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

GB travel to Riga for a four-team tournament (Group E) from Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th February 2013. They will face hosts Latvia, as well as France and Kazakhstan, with the group winners progressing to Sochi next year. The Sheffield Steelers forward said: “I have been involved with the senior national side since 1995 and this is one of the best squads I have known.

“We all get on so well and enjoy each other’s company, and that is crucial to our success so far and in the future.

“We had a long trip to Japan for the pre-qualifiers, but went into their back yard and came back as group winners.

“Now we go to Latvia as underdogs, but anything is possible. We believe in each other and we have the talent and desire to do well.

“I have heard that more than 250 GB supporters will be out in Latvia with us. That is just fantastic and we will be spurred on by their backing. “The boys are really excited about the next few days and are itching to get on the ice and start things rolling.”