Congratulations to Saffron Lane (Allen) who has received her MBE at Windsor Castle.
The 30-year-old was appointed an MBE for her Services to Sport in the King’s Birthday Honours list earlier this year.
Allen won 52 caps for her country and represented GB at nine World Championship tournaments and three Olympic Qualifiers. She scored 18 goals and contributed 20 assists for 38 points across 12 years.
Her career is a remarkable one after she suffered a spinal injury at the Olympic Qualifying tournament in China in November 2012. Early indications were that she may not walk again but she returned to the ice within 14 months to continue her outstanding career.
She was named Alternate Captain in 2016 and became GB captain in 2019. Lane won five silver medals and three bronze before retiring from international ice hockey after leading GB to gold and promotion at the 2022 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division II Group A in Spain.
Ice Hockey UK CEO, Henry Staelens, said: “Saffron has been a trailblazer for ice hockey in the UK and her commitment to GB – and the sport in general – always shone through.
“Her leadership, work ethic and desire set a huge example to the younger generation made her one of the most important players in GB history.
“She led GB on the ice and off it and showed her peers what it takes to be at the top of your game, having to overcome challenges during her distinguished career.”