Ice Hockey UK would like to thank the Great Britain Supporters’ Club (GBSC) who have donated £10,000 to the GB Programme.
GBSC follow all GB teams – men and women – all over the world and there were hundreds of supporters at the recent men’s World Championship in Prague.
The Great Britain Supporters’ Club was formed in June 1993 and was the brainchild of Annette and Allan Petrie.
After arranging a trip for around 12 people in Copenhagen in 1991, they took 25 fans from Slough, Nottingham, Medway and Bracknell to GB’s triumphant promotion in Eindhoven in 1993.
While there, they found out that many fans had paid over the odds for their trip and some had come independently and from this the supporters club was formed.
GBSC have been organising trips ever since and at the same time have raised money for GB’s teams since their inception.
Ice Hockey UK CEO, Henry Staelens, said: “I’d like to thank Annette, Allan, the GBSC committee and all the members for this donation.
“We really do have the best fans and that was evident in Prague where their non-stop support of the team was a sight to behold.
“I know it provides an inspiration to the players and the GB support can be heard the loudest no matter how out-numbered they might be in an away rink.
“GBSC’s support of men and women at all levels is so valuable to the GB Programme.”
Annette and Allan Petrie said: “GBSC are incredibly proud to be able to make a financial contribution to the Great Britain teams again.
“We would like to thank all our members for their support and generosity which has enabled us to make this donation.
“We look forward to continuing to assist all the GB teams financially, as well as vocally in the stands.
“GBSC has a well-respected reputation which we will continue to promote around the world.
“Finally, we would like to thank IHUK for all their help and assistance and we look forward to a good partnership going forwards.”
Annette and Allan Petrie are pictured above with Ice Hockey UK General Secretary Andy French.