Swindon Wildcats forward Owen Griffiths has replaced Sam Duggan in Great Britain Under-20s’ squad for the upcoming World Championship (Division 1B) in Megeve, France.
Duggan, who plays in Örebro in Sweden, has had to pull out of the squad because of injury.
GB U20s head coach, Tommy Watkins, said: “Of course, losing Sam is a blow as he is a great player and one of our brightest young prospects.
“But we have a quality replacement in Owen Griffiths and he will bring a lot to the squad.
“He was unlucky to miss out in the first instance and I am sure he will take his chance.”
GB begin the tournament on Saturday with a game against Slovenia and following today’s withdrawal of Japan, there will be no relegation to Division 2A.
Five teams will compete in the tournament with GB also joined by hosts France, as well as Poland and Ukraine.
Each team will still play each other once with the gold-medal winners being promoted to Division 1A.