Netminder Ben Bowns was presented with his 50th cap ahead of Great Britain’s match with Russia in the World Championship Group A opener at the Olympic Sports Centre in Latvia.
Bowns, who becomes the 26th player in GB history to reach the half-century mark, made his debut in Riga across the road at Arena Riga in the Olympic Qualifiers in February 2013.
His first World Championship appearance followed two months later in Budapest in the World Championship Division I Group A campaign.
There were also special debut caps for David Clements, Lewis Hook and Josh Tetlow who were all named on the 22-man roster.
A presentation, led by GB General Manager Andy Buxton and IHUK General Secretary Andy French, was held in the dressing room before the game.
Bowns was awarded a special 50th cap, while Clements, Hook and Tetlow were handed their debut caps.
150th cap for Jason Taff Ellery
Great Britain equipment manager Jason Ellery – know across the ice hockey world as Taff – was presented with his 150th cap.
Taff’s first trip in the GB set-up was in 1996 in Poland and he’s only missed two tournaments since in a career spanning four decades with the national side.
Andy French, who introduced Taff to the GB set-up, said: “Taff is the cornerstone of the GB dressing room.
“There is nothing he would not do for anyone and he’s always the first one at the rink and the last one to leave.
“He is such a popular member of staff and the dressing room is a better place with Taff in it.”
Ellery said: “I am really honoured to reach 150 games working with Great Britain.
“I love the job that I do and it is an absolute pleasure to work with such a great group of people year after year.”
Photo credits: Dean Woolley.