Bowns: Belief will be key the longer the tournament goes on

GB begin their first top-flight World Championship campaign since 1994 on Saturday when they face Germany in Kosice.

This is followed by games against Canada, Denmark, USA, Finland, Slovakia and France, with the group stage running until 20th May.

Asked whether GB could extend their stay in the top flight beyond a year, the Cardiff Devils netminder said: “Why not? Not many people gave us a chance in Budapest of avoiding relegation last year.

“The key thing is that we believe in ourselves and we will go to battle for each other. The team spirit in the GB camp is always key and we get along on and off the ice.”

The Rotherham-born goalie made his debut in 2013 and has since established himself as GB’s first-choice netminder.

He played a major part in GB’s promotion in Budapest last season, saving two penalty shots in the tournament, including one in the gold medal-winning final game against Hungary.

“It is amazing to think the type of player we are going to play against at the tournament,” said Bowns.

“It is hard to explain how you you feel to win something like we did in Hungary.

“We win with our clubs and that’s great, but to win for the nation with all these guys is literally indescribable.

“Everyone is looking forward to playing these top-class players and testing ourselves against the best in the world.

“We have come so far in short space of time. Two promotions in two years was a massive achievement.”

Photo: Dean Woolley