Great Britain U20’s Name C’s & A’s

Great Britain U20’s coach Peter Russell has named his captain and alternate captains for the forthcoming IIHF World Championships in Tallinn, Estonia.

Matt Selby of Basingstoke Bison will be the captain, supported by Jordan Cownie (Milton Keynes Lightning) and Bobby Chamberlain (Manchester Phoenix).

The appointments were confirmed as the squad arrived in Helsinki for a three-day training camp which culminates in a pre-tournament challenge match with a Helsinki U20 Select squad on Friday.

Selby said: “To represent Great Britain is a huge honour on its own, but to be given the captaincy is a dream come true – I couldn’t ask for anything more.

“It’s my last year with the U20s, so I hope that we can finish on top and come back with a gold and I can lead the team to do that.”

Cownie added: “This is the first time I’ve been named as one of the captains, it was a great feeling when Peter announced I was one of the alternates.

“It’s going to be a new experience but a great feeling to be responsible for helping keep spirits up in the camp.”

Chamberlain said: “All three of us have a lot of World Championship experience so we know what tournament hockey is like.

“The games come thick and fast, plus the practices each day. Luckily we have a professional set up here with the coaches and support staff.”

The tournament begins on Sunday (7 December) against The Netherlands at 11am UK time, 1pm in Tallinn. The other teams in the group are Lithuania, Romania, Korea and hosts Estonia.

* Assistant Coach Tom Watkins was unable to join up with the squad after his son, Sam, sustained a broken leg on Saturday for the second time this year. Sam has had surgery and is recovering at home. Everyone at Ice Hockey UK and particularly the U20 team and staff send Sam best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.