Published Friday, 13 April 2012
Robert Dowd, Craig Peacock, Mark Garside & Stephen Murphy (top left, clockwise) (© Michael Cooper)
Netminder Stephen Murphy and forward trio Robert Dowd, Mark Garside and Craig Peacock have just completed a three-day training camp with Tony Hand's side and now head to Ljubljana for the six-team tournament.
Team GB - who also have the Giants' Doug Christiansen on the coaching panel - will face hosts Slovenia and Austria, Hungary, Japan and Ukraine between 15 and 21 April.
Last year, they narrowly missed out on a gold medal and promotion from Division 1A.
"With the new format for the World Championship, it means it will be much tougher than in previous years - but we're up for the challenge," Hand said.
"We'll be playing two nations relegated from Pool A last year in our first two games."
He added: "Paul Thompson and his staff have given us a great platform to build on and I reckon we can surprise a few people again this year.
"There's no doubt we have five tough matches ahead, but I'm confident we have the experience and talent to compete in every game."