Great Britain face a German test to start their first campaign in the World Championship top flight for 25 years.

They also play Canada, Denmark, USA, Finland and hosts Slovakia during a week-long tournament next May.

Welshmen Matthew Myers and Jonathan Phillips are both GB regulars along with Cardiff Devils players Mark Richardson plus goalies Ben Bowns and Thomas Murdy.

All five were in the GB team who earned promotion last April, while Devils’ team-mate Josh Batch will ben pressing hard to earn a recall to the national team.

Cardiff-born Ben Davies, who plays for Guildford Flames, will be another contender for a place in the GB team.

The experience Elite League champions Cardiff Devils will gain in their Champions League matches this season will certainly help their players prepare for what will be a massive test against some of World’s top ice hockey nations.

GB are in Group A, based in Kosice, and matches will be played at the Steel Arena.

Britain and Germany go head-to-head on Saturday, May 11 before GB face Canada the next day.

After a rest day, Britain take Denmark on Tuesday, May 14 before facing USA.

Finland are GB’s opponents on Friday 17th May, while head coach Pete Russell’s side clash hosts Slovakia and then complete their Group A campaign against France on Monday, May 20.

Ticket pricing and structure will be announced in mid-September, with ticket sales beginning a few days later.

Great Britain schedule – Group A (face-off times are Slovakia local time)

May

Saturday 11: Germany v Great Britain 4.15pm

Sunday 12: Great Britain v Canada 8.15pm

Tuesday 14: Great Britain v Denmark 4.15pm

Wednesday 15: USA v Great Britain 4.15pm

Friday 17: Finland v Great Britain 8.15pm

Saturday 18: Great Britain v Slovakia 8.15pm

Monday 20: France v Great Britain 4.15pm