In a strong start for Team GB at the Winter Olympics qualifiers, the team defeated Latvia 3-2 on Thursday at IceSheffield.
Sheffield has become the centre of women’s ice hockey as it hosts the Olympic Qualifiers, where Team GB faces Latvia, Spain, and the Netherlands.
After winning friendly matches against Spain and the Netherlands, and a narrow 3-2 loss to Latvia earlier this year in the IIHF Women’s World Championship, Team GB was determined to rise to the challenge.
Team captain Jodie Alderson-Smith buried a rebound just three minutes into Thursday’s match, setting the tone for GB’s hard-fought 3-2 victory.
Before the tournament, Alderson-Smith said: “It’s kind of like our revenge time.”
“We’re on home ice, and we don’t like losing, so it’s definitely one that we want to get back.”
Team GB’s preparation has been about more than just skill. Players have built a strong sense of solidarity through weeks of intense training and bonding activities.
Alderson-Smith said: “We all get along really well and the togetherness around the team is really good.”
The qualifiers have also marked the debut of three new players, including 20-year-old Emma Nichols, who replaced injured netminder Nicole Jackson.
Nichols, who has played in the under 18s and now in Sweden, called the experience an exciting opportunity.
She said: “The level of competition is very high, but playing in Sweden has definitely helped me prepare.”
For Team GB, Sheffield’s home support has been invaluable. The team has trained in the city for over a decade, and the local fans have embraced the tournament.
“It’s really nice to have the home fans cheering us on,” Nichols said.
“It gives us a huge boost.”
Beyond their Olympic ambitions, Team GB hopes to grow the game for women and girls in the UK.
Alderson-Smith said: “We want to inspire the next generation, and seeing the amount of girls that are playing around the UK now is really good.”
Team GB’s journey continues this weekend, facing Spain on Saturday and the Netherlands on Sunday, as they aim to secure their Olympic dream.
