GREAT Britain will get under way in their quest to qualify for the Beijing Winter Olympic Games 2022. A feat that was last done in 1948.

After securing back to back promotions to the topflight on the international stage, Team GB avoided relegation with a 4-3 overtime win over France last summer.

Ice hockey is still growing here in the UK but with more moments like these the sport is starting gain some popularity. The Olympic Qualifiers is another chance to gain some extra eyes on the sport of ice hockey.

GB have climbed the IIHF rankings up to 20th position their highest yet. Romania are also a team on the up as they rose to 27th in 2019.

When it comes to past meetings, GB took the spoils in their last match against Romania in 2016. 6-1 the score line with Jonathan Phillips, Jonathan Boxill, Robert Farmer, Evan Mosey, Matthew Myers and Jonathan Weaver all getting on the score sheet for GB. Zsombor Molnar grabbed the only goal for Romania.

They have also met another two times with GB winning both games, 4-1 (2014) and 3-0 (2012).

Romania eased into the next qualification group as they beat Israel 15-0, Kyrgyzstan 18-2 and Iceland 10-1.

GB have seen some new faces join up with the team in Scott Conway from the Atlanta Gladiators, Travis Ehrhardt (Brother of Dallas) from the Glasgow Clan, and Brendan Connolly from the Sheffield Steelers.

Scott Conway may appear to be a bit unknown to a few however, born in Basingstoke and playing for the Nottingham Cougars and England his path does cross with a few recognisable faces.

He is the son of former GB player Kevin Conway who picked up 61 points in 46 games for Team GB. He is also a cousin to current GB teammate, Brett Perlini and NHL player Brendan Perlini.

This game looks set to be a good one with GB eager to get off to a winning start on home ice.

Key Players

Team GB: Robert Farmer has been chosen to take up the available “A” on his jersey due to Robert Dowd’s injury. He will want to show every reason as to why he deserves it. Having moved to the DEL2 with Lausitzer Füchse he has picked up 34 points (14+20) in 44 games.

Romania: Balazs Peter managed to pick up 12 points (4+8) in Romania’s 3 previous qualifying games. Can he keep that kind of form going against tougher opposition?