Steve Thornton has told skysports.com of his determination to help Team GB realise their Olympic dream.
Giants player-coach reveals international goal
After his return to international duty was made official, Steve Thornton has told
skysports.com he is determined to help Team GB realise their Olympic dream.
Thornton, who declared that he wanted to return to the national side earlier this year, has now been confirmed as part of the squad for the 2010 Olympic Pre-Qualification Tournament in Poland next month.
The 35-year-old forward has played in Europe since the 1995/96 season, was one of six players from the league-leading Belfast Giants to be selected to the team by national coach Paul Thompson.
And, in an exclusive interview with
skysports.com, Thornton revealed his delight at returning to the national set up.
"It's good to be back," Thornton said.
"I was there in Innsbruck (at the World Championships in April) watching the guys play when I was injured in the second part of the season.
Better and better
"It's always tough when you want to be out there playing. I thought it was a good chance for me before my playing career ends to give it one last shot."
The Canadian-born forward has not played at the international level for four years, but decided to return to the fold in the summer after considering Britain's opposition in November.
Besides facing the host country, Team GB will also meet Japan and Romania with the group winners advancing to the next qualifying round in February 2009.
"I felt like I could help the team a little bit," Thornton added.
"And when I saw the groupings for the World Championships this year, I thought that we had a shot at possibly doing something there.
"We have some young players coming up who are getting better and better. We have a good core in the team and coach Thompson is running a tight ship, which is what I like."
While Thornton's return comes as a boost to the side, Team GB's first opponents Poland (Nov 6) will be without former NHL star Mariusz Czerkawski, who retired in the summer.
