Ireland men's hockey captain David Harte said the younger players in the squad are especially eager to match the achievement of the 2016 crop and reach the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Harte's team face into a two-legged qualifier against Canada in Vancouver this weekend, playing games on Saturday and Sunday which will get started at 10pm and 9pm respectively (Irish time). Victory in the tie will secure the side's ticket to Tokyo.
The Ireland goalkeeper is anticipating a decent away contingent ahead of such a pivotal encounter.
"It's dull, overcast, grey and wet but otherwise we've been settling in well. From what we heard, there is a decent crowd heading over and looking forward to seeing a good bit of green scattered around on Saturday and Sunday at the matches."
The Irish men qualified for the Games in Rio in 2016, becoming the first Irish hockey team of either gender to qualify for an Olympic Games since the men claimed silver in 1908.
Harte says the younger generation who've entered the setup post-Rio are eager to sample the Olympic experience.
"For the new guys coming in who have an opportunity to reach an Olympic games for the first time, they've of course heard all the stories.
"And the fact that it's so close and a tangible achievement and goal - two matches back to back - come Sunday evening you'll know that you'll have your hands on that plane ticket for Tokyo 2020.
"The guys really want to get there and say 'we are Olympians' - that's not something everyone can say in this world. It's a very special feeling, even saying it now for me."
Watch Canada v Ireland on Saturday 26 October (10pm) and Sunday 27 October (9pm) on RTÉ News Now and RTÉ Player
