Coventry Blaze players vie for GB spots

Paul Thompson must release five players before heading to Kiev

Team GB coach Paul Thompson has said the four Coventry Blaze players in his provisional squad have every chance of making the World Championships in Kiev.

Russ Cowley, Jonathan Weaver, Rob Farmer and Greg Owen are set to feature against Netherlands at the weekend.

Thompson said: "I know what the Blaze players can do in the Elite League but international hockey is different.

"Every player who is taking part in these games has a final chance to show what they can do."

Thompson must trim his 28-man squad by five ahead of the tournament in Ukraine.

The matches against the Dutch national side in Nottingham (9 April) and Hull (10 April) will be the only warm-up matches for GB before they set off to the continent.

Cowley hopes to be on that plane later this month and cannot wait for the weekend.

"We're all really looking forward to these games," said 27-year-old Cowley.

"Last year's games against the Netherlands were fantastic for the players and the supporters and with the competition for places for the World Championships being so hot, everyone who plays in them is going to be giving their absolute all."