Great Britain forward Logan Neilson says this week’s IIHF European Cup of Nations – which begins in Sosnowiec today (Thursday) – is a great opportunity for the national team’s young talent.
GB face Slovenia at 15:00 GMT this afternoon before matches against Italy (Friday) and host Poland (Saturday).
This is Neilson’s second senior call-up after making his GB men’s debut last summer at the World Championship in Romania.
“It’s always a huge honour being called up and being given the privilege to represent your country,” said Neilson. “It’s always a special feeling and something I’ll never take for granted,” he said.
“My last experience with GB was pretty fun. It was the first time I made the team out of camp and we won gold so it was pretty awesome.
“It especially great going there with so many guys I grew up with and idolised – and being there with my brother and my dad. It was really special.”
There are lots of new faces in the squad this time round with some young prospects receiving their first opportunity to show what they can do in a GB jersey.
Neilson said: “I think it’s great chance for those guys to gain experience in new environments, there’s a ton of talent in the younger group.”
With some of the experienced players that have been the core of GB success in recent years heading towards retirement, it is an exciting time to develop the next generation.
“I think that’s the whole goal with how this team has been built; to put some of the younger guys in to see what they can do,” said Neilson.
“There’s some older bodies in the top team and they can’t play forever, so you’ve got to integrate the young guys in as much as you can.”
Thursday 6th November
Slovenia v Great Britain 16:00 (15:00 GMT)
Poland v Italy 19:45 (18:45 GMT)
Friday 7th November
Great Britain v Italy 16:00 (15:00 GMT)
Poland v Slovenia 19:45 (18:45 GMT)
Saturday 8th November
Italy v Slovenia 16:00 (15:00 GMT)
Poland v Great Britain 19:45 (18:45 GMT)