GB ICE HOCKEY: In the biggest result in GB's history since their famous 1936 Olympic Games gold medal in Germany, Great Britain are through to final qualifying ahead of the 2014 Winter Olympics following a final-day 2-1 victory over hosts Japan in pre-qualifying.

GB scored two goals in 30 seconds to take a two-goal first-period lead. Craig Peacock netted on the powerplay (9:59) and Ben O'Connor scored his third goal of the tournament at 10:29.

After a scoreless second period, Japan pulled a goal back through Shuhei Kuji (44:01) but GB stayed firm for a famous win.

Great Britain are now through to the Winter Olympics final-qualifying stage which takes place from 7th-10th February 2013.

GB are likely to travel to Germany for the four-team tournament, but they could be placed in a group being held in Denmark or Latvia.

This will depend on the results of matches still be played in other pre-qualification groups in Hungary and Ukraine today.

Head coach, Tony Hand, said: "This is a huge moment in the history of British ice hockey.

"I am so, so, proud of every one of these guys and so should everyone back home.

"We have proved we can compete at this level and now we want to prove we can compete at a higher level.

"Every single guy played their heart out and we did this with talent and determination.

"No-one should under-estimate how much this means to British ice hockey. It is massive.

"We are one step away from Sochi 2014 and now get to test ourselves against some of the world's best hockey nations."