Thompson's Blaze side lead the Elite League by four points

Coach Paul Thompson took the positives out of Great Britain's failure to progress at Olympic pre-qualifying.

GB finished third after losing to hosts Poland in a shootout and losing 2-1 to Japan, before thrashing Romania 11-1 in the final.

Coventry boss Thompson told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire: "We finished on a high, we played a few young kids and they enjoyed the new experience."

The Great Britain team are currently ranked 29th in the world.

Despite missing out on the knockout stages Thompson said his side have the potential to be a threat at next year's World Championship.

As every tournament goes by these young guys get more and more experience and I thought there were many positives Paul Thompson

"I am confident, we have potential but there are areas we need to improve.

"As every tournament goes by these young guys get more and more experience and I thought there were many positives."

Meanwhile, Thompson's club side completed the double over Newcastle Vipers at the weekend.

The Blaze won 4-1 on Sunday as Barrie Moore netted twice while Carlyle Lewis and Corey LeClair were also on the scoresheet, the result followed Saturday's 2-0 home win.

Thompson's side are now four points clear at the top of the Elite League.

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