The Iceland ice hockey president is looking forward to an intriguing match-up in front of a sold-out crowd for the final game of the division 2, group B world championships at the Dunedin Ice Stadium.
"My feeling is that we have not always met the strongest New Zealand team," Thorisson said.
"Probably because you guys have a very similar problem like us ... when you guys are going to tournaments, it’s a long distance to travel and it always comes down to budget, things like that.
"I’m expecting to meet a stronger New Zealand team on Saturday than we have met before.
"My guys will have to be on top of their game."
Iceland, who were relegated from division 2, group A, and New Zealand are on a similar playing field, having recorded two wins.
It has been an interesting route for Iceland to make their way to Dunedin, spending nearly two days travelling the 17,186km to land at the tournament.
Only arriving 30 hours before the puck dropped in their opening game on Sunday, Iceland lost 4-0 to Georgia.
"It was a little bit frustrating to lose, but maybe not unexpected.
"For us to travel basically for 48 hours to here and we only came here to New Zealand 30 hours prior to the game — that is not optimal, but this is just the way it is for us."
Iceland bounced back with a 8-4 victory over Bulgaria and a 2-1 win over Chinese Taipei.
They face Thailand this afternoon in what will be the first game between the two countries.
"It’s going to be an interesting match-up."
Thorisson has enjoyed his first trip to New Zealand shores.
"What I’ve seen of the country is very beautiful, very familiar. It’s a very similar landscape as we have in Iceland."
Georgia are unbeaten after securing a 8-7 overtime win against Bulgaria, and the Ice Blacks had a big 7-1 win over Thailand on Wednesday.
Chinese Taipei play Georgia, Thailand face Iceland, and New Zealand play Bulgaria in front of a sold out crowd today in the penultimate day of the competition.
