GB confirm captain Phillips with assistants as Dowd and Richardson

Great Britain have confirmed Jonathan Phillips as captain for the World Championship in Latvia, with the assistants named as Robert Dowd and Mark Richardson.

GB get their Group A campaign under way tomorrow at the Olympic Sports Centre against Russia, before facing Slovakia, Denmark, Belarus, Sweden, Czech Republic and Switzerland.

Phillips goes into the tournament as GB’s most-capped current player with 97 appearances since making his debut in 2003, while Richardson currently has 87 caps and Dowd 65.

“It’s always a massive honour to play for your country every time you step on the ice, but to be captain is very, very special indeed,” said Phillips.

“To lead such a great group of guys is just brilliant and I am proud of what we have achieved over the past few years.”

Richardson said: “To be part of this team is just amazing and we are such a close group of guys.

“I consider it an honour to wear the A for my country and it’s a very special feeling.”

Dowd added: “I feel proud to be be part of GB’s captaincy team.

“We have such a great group of guys and so many leaders in the room, so to be part of the leadership team is an honour.”

Photo credit: Dean Woolley.