Torino 2013: Great Britain preview

After missing out on Vancouver 2010, Great Britain will try to sneak into the Sochi 2014 Paralympics as the No. 6 seed heading into the Qualification Tournament.

The top three finishers from the IPC Ice Sledge Hockey Qualification Tournament will qualify for the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

Here's a brief overview of Great Britain's ice sledge hockey team as they head to Torino, where they will challenge Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Germany and Japan for one of the Paralympic spots.

Outlook

After missing out on Vancouver 2010, Great Britain will try to sneak into the Sochi 2014 Paralympics as the No. 6 seed heading into the Qualification Tournament.

In the last four years, the British Sledge Hockey Association has established a development programme and established a national league structure supported by committed stakeholders.

Though, many are still surprised to see the British squad in Torino after turning a few heads by winning bronze at the IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships B-Pool in Nagano, Japan, in March.

Seven athletes who have competed in at least one Paralympic Games are on the team, including Nathan Stephens, a world champion in javelin, and Stephen Thomas, a world champion in sailing.

Look for Matthew Clarkson and Gary Farmer to lead the British scoring charters after doing so in Nagano, but also don’t count out the skills of Karl Nicholson, Ian Warner and Tyler Christopher.

As everyone knows in ice sledge hockey, nothing is predictable. Anything can happen on the road to Sochi 2014.

Key players

Nathan Stephens (forward); Gary Farmer (forward); Matthew Clarkson (defenceman)

Head coach

Andrew Linton

Last Paralympic appearance

Torino 2006 – Seventh place