Newark and GB hockey star Jodie Bloom blown away by Olympic experience in Nottingham

Newark ice hockey star Jodie Bloom has praised GB’s performance despite narrowly missing out on potential Olympic qualification.

Bloom, one of the more experienced players in GB women’s ice hockey squad, was voted as one of the team’s best players as they narrowly missed out on qualification to the 2022 Winter Olympics in China.

Despite winning two of their three group games, GB missed out on head-to-head goal difference as South Korea topped the group.

Bloom said: “Honestly, the team’s performance was incredible, it was by far the best hockey we have played as a team — I’m so proud of everyone.

“For me, it was one of my better tournaments for GB.

“I was moved around position-wise as we had a few injuries and my coach had already told me pre-tournament I would be used in defence if this happened, so I had to adapt and learn different areas of the systems quickly.

“I was named third best player by the GB Supporters Club which was a great feeling to be noticed by them.

“We always knew it would come down to the Korea game, no matter if we beat or lost to Slovenia so there was some pressure there but we used that as momentum.

“We played outstanding and came off winners against a team who are seven places above us in the rankings.

“We were just unlucky to not get the second goal to push us through to the next round.”

Bloom also touched on the supporters during the Nottingham-based tournament, with record-breaking figures recorded for women’s ice hockey.

“The support was immense,” she said.

“Every time we looked like we were getting a chance of a goal the crowd lifted and it’s a feeling none of us will forget.

“We haven’t had that kind of support so for the team to receive it and feel that from the crowd was so important and we will take it into our next competition.

“We always knew we would get a good amount of people with it being in Nottingham but we didn’t expect that amount.

“It was unreal, seeing all of our family and friends in the stands but also seeing hockey fans along with young hockey players.

“Our team motto is to “Dream, Succeed, Inspire” and I really believe we completed it, even though we didn’t progress to the next round, we achieved so much more."