Great Britain Women will play two international matches against the Netherlands in Sheffield next month ahead of April’s World Championship in Slovenia.

The two teams will go head-to-head at iceSheffield on Thursday, 11th February (face-off 7.30pm) and Friday, 12th February (12.40pm).

Netherlands will again participate in Division 1B of the World Championship structure this season, with GB in Division 2A.

GB came close to promotion last season but just missed out following a final-day defeat by Kazakhstan.

Head Coach, Cheryl Smith, said: “This is excellent preparation for April’s World Championship tournament.

“Last year’s games against the Netherlands were a good test for us and set us up well for the World Championship in Dumfries.

“It is important to get game time ahead of a big tournament and these two games will do just that. Playing against a nation ranked higher than ourselves will again be a great test.”

Andy French, General Secretary of Ice Hockey UK, said: “We would like to thank Netherlands for coming across to play us.

“We have a lot of respect as two hockey nations and they are sure to be two exciting games.”

(Image permission: IceHockeyMedia)