Great Britain have named their team for next month’s IIHF European Cup of Nations at the Arcelor Mittal Park ice rink in Sosnowiec.
GB will face hosts Poland, along with Italy and Slovenia, in the four-team tournament from Thursday 6th to Saturday 8th November.
Netminder Renny Marr, defencemen Kell Beattie, Kris Inglis, Reece Kelly and Liam Steele are set to be part of GB matchday roster for the first time, along with forwards Mason Alderson, Bayley Harewood, Jack Hopkins, Patrick Larkin, Sam Lyne, Jonathan McBean and Kyle Watson.
Ice Hockey UK CEO, Henry Staelens, said: “This is an important moment for GB. All the players receiving their first call-up fully deserve this opportunity and we are proud of each and every one of them for the work they’ve put in to get here.
“We have a brilliant core of players that have achieved significant successes for Great Britain over the past few years. Now we must work to find the future stars that are able to complement that group, especially as we work towards 2030 Olympic qualifying.
“Thank you to the Elite League and National League for the collaboration during selection.”
Grant King, IHUK COO & Interim Performance Director, said: “This squad blends exciting young players with core experience and every selection has been earned.
“The IIHF European Cup of Nations will give them high-quality minutes, the chance to show their talent and a pathway to compete for places at next year’s World Championship in Zurich and beyond.”
GB Head Coach, Pete Russell, said: “This is an exciting moment for the young players who will make their GB debuts at this tournament.
“We are taking a handful of senior players to this tournament and they will be important in the development of the young players.
“These young players are our future and this is a great opportunity for them to experience ice hockey on the international stage.”
Twelve new faces
Mason Alderson
After starting his junior career in Guildford and Chelmsford, Alderson played in North America included time with Castleton University (NCAA). The 24-year-old forward captained GB at junior level and this season signed for EIHL side Fife Flyers after two years with Solway Sharks (NIHL).
Kell Beattie
Belfast-born Beattie had his first taste of senior hockey with Solway Sharks (NIHL) and has also iced for Belfast Giants (EIHL). The 21-year-old defenceman represented GB at under-18 and under-20 level, winning two bronze and one silver medal.
Bayley Harewood
Harewood played junior hockey in Cardiff before moving to North America to attend the Canadian International Hockey Academy. The 22-year-old forward, who represented GB as a junior, returned to the UK in 2019 and is currently on a two-way deal with Cardiff Devils (EIHL) and Bristol Pitbulls (NIHL).
Jack Hopkins
Hopkins was part of the GB NextGen Programme last season and attended the pre-World Championship camp in Nottingham. The 21-year-old forward, who plays for Coventry Blaze (EIHL) is a former GB junior captain, winning one silver and three bronze medals in four tournaments.
Kris Inglis
Dundee-born Inglis has played for his hometown club throughout his career. The 27-year-old defenceman, who represented Scotland as a junior, is currently back for his ninth season with the Dundee Stars (EIHL).
Reece Kelly
After attending the Ontario Hockey Academy in Canada, Kelly iced in the highly-rated junior leagues in Finland and Norway. The 24-year-old returned to the UK to play for Bristol Pitbulls (NIHL) and after a stint with Glasgow Clan (EIHL), the defenceman now ices for Sheffield Steelers (EIHL).
Patrick Larkin
Larkin also attended last season’s pre-World Championship camp in Nottingham as part of the NextGen Programme. The 24-year-old defenceman spent his junior career developing his skills in Canada. Larkin now plays for McGill University in the highly rated USports league.
Sam Lyne
Lyne played for both GB U18s and U20s and has spent his junior and college hockey career in North America. The 20-year-old exciting young forward is playing this year with Cranbrook Bucks in the Junior A British Columbia Hockey League.
Renny Marr
Marr began his career with Fife Flyers (EIHL) and Kirkcaldy Kestrels (SNL) before a stint with Coventry Blaze (EIHL). The 28-year-old netminder represented GB as a junior and it now into his eighth season with Swindon Wildcats (NIHL).
Jonathan McBean
McBean came through the Dundee junior system and has been with his hometown club ever since, along with short stint on a two-way deal with Solway Sharks. The 21-year-old forward is a former GB U20 international, winning a silver medal in 2023.
Liam Steele
Steele played in the Junior A British Columbia Hockey League as a youngster and also represented GB at under-18 and under-20 level. The 21-year-old highly-rated defenceman signed a two-way deal this season with Sheffield Steeldogs (NIHL) and Sheffield Steelers (EIHL).
Kyle Watson
After coming through the Sheffield junior system, Watson spent much of his junior career in the USA before playing college hockey for Trine University in the NCAA. The 25-year-old forward returned to the UK ahead of the new season to sign for NIHL side Sheffield Steeldogs.
