Graham replaces Neilson in GB U18s squad

Great Britain Under-18s head coach Martin Grubb has had to make a change to his squad ahead of next month’s World Championship.

Forward Alex Graham has replaced Cade Neilson on the roster.

Sheffield-born Graham, 16, has represented his hometown club at junior level and has also scored 13 points in 12 games for NIHL side Sheffield Steeldogs this season.

Grubb, said: “It is a massive disappointment to be without Cade. He is a tremendous talent and will be missed.

“But we have a lot of depth in our squad and that is shown by the type of player we are bringing onto the roster.

“Alex may be a young lad but he is a terrific player and the coaching staff are excited to see what he can do at a World Championship.

“He has been performing and putting up numbers for the Steeldogs since January and the feedback from his coaches makes him an exciting replacement.”

GB will take on Austria, Italy, Japan, hosts Hungary and Slovenia following their promotion from Division II last season.

The IIHF World Championship Division I Group B tournament takes place at the Ifjabb Ocskay Gábor Ice Hall and runs from 14th to 20th April.

GB will fly out to Bratislava in Slovakia on 8th April for a training camp and challenge games, before moving onto the World Championship venue in Hungary.

REVISED GB U18S SQUAD
Netminders
Lucas Brine – New Hampton Huskies USA
Will Kerlin – OHA

Defence
Bradley Bowering – Peterborough Phantoms
Ed Bradley – CIHA Canada
Callum Burnett – London Raiders
Reece Cochrane – Fife Flyers
Jordan Griffin – Sheffield Steelers
Joe Hazeldine – Nottingham/Telford
Ethan Reid – Murrayfield
Liam Stenton – Solway Sharks

Forwards
Mason Biddulph – Islanders Hockey Club
Kieran Brown – Sheffield Steelers
Louis Chabot – Nepean Raiders
Alex Graham – Sheffield
Ethan Hehir – Billingham
Lewis Houston – Solway Sharks
Scott Jamieson – Fife
Patrick Larkin – Nepean Raiders
Jacob Lutwyche – Ridley College
Austin Mitchell-King – Hill Academy
Reed Sayers – Okanagan
Sam Talbot – Slough/MK Thunder