It was at Turin 2006 that Britain last competed in ice sledge hockey at the Paralympics, with a side that included London 2012 Paralympic 200 metres champion Richard Whitehead as well as former world F57 javelin champion Nathan Stephens and world sailing silver medallist Stephen Thomas.

Stephens and Thomas are part of the 14-strong squad this time around that will be up against hosts Italy, as well as Sweden, South Korea, Germany and Japan, as the final three places for the Sochi Games will be decided, which run from March 7 to 16 next year.

Having failed to qualify for Vancouver 2010, Britain has been steadily improving and their qualification aspirations will have been boosted by their Pool B bronze medal finish at this year's International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships in Japan.

Twelve of that squad are included for the Qualifier Tournament in Turin, which is due to take place between October 20 and 26, that also includes seven members who have competed at a previous Paralympic Games.

"This is the strongest team we've put together since my appointment as head coach and it couldn't come at a more important time," said Britain's head coach Andrew Linton.

"All the players in the GB programme have worked extremely hard and we are sure that their dedication on and off ice will reap its rewards in Turin."

Hosts Russia, along with current Paralympic champions the United States, reigning world champions Canada, Norway and the Czech Republic have already qualified by virtue of finishing in the top five at the World Championships.

Great Britain's Stephen Thomas in action at the Turin 2006 Paralympics