It’s almost time for the return of international play, with Team Great Britain set to participate in the four-nation Euro Ice Hockey Challenge later this week. There are a number of important storylines to keep across, including Liam Kirk’s national team return and the rise of several debutants.
Consider this your preview for the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge, keep scrolling for all of the key details.
Liam Kirk set for international return at Euro Ice Hockey Challenge
Kirk hasn’t represented Great Britain since he penned his entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes.
The Maltby-born forward suffered a serious knee injury at the start of last season and missed the 2022 IIHF World Championship as a result.
Kirk, who recently moved to Mikkelin Jukurit on loan, is in fine form and is set to play a key role for Team GB in the months ahead.
Whether he plays through the centre or down the left flank, the 23-year-old will be handed top-line by head coach Pete Russell just months before the national team competes for promotion back to the top tier of the World Championships.
Euro Ice Hockey Challenge Preview: Liam Kirk, Arizona Coyotes (Image: NHL)
Kirk’s return raises several important questions.
Will Team GB fans finally be able to see the former Sheffield Steeler and Cade Nielson on the same unit?
Kirk was already one of Team GB’s best players, how much has he developed since his last appearance?
How will playing in the Finnish Liiga help Kirk on the international stage?
In a recent interview with Jukurit, the former seventh round pick spoke about his desire to develop the sport across his homeland – which is exactly what his national team return will achieve.
“I hope that kids can see me as an example of someone that never left England growing up, I played in England up until I was drafted,” Kirk explained.
“If I can do it, why can’t anyone else? There’s a lot of kids out there that have a lot of talent. I wasn’t the most talented growing up but there’s more about having to work hard and wanting to be the best every time I was on the ice that helped me get to the next level. Come with the right attitude every day, do the right things and anything’s possible.”
Coventry Blaze’s Nathanael Halbert, Johnny Curran add to Team GB talent pool
Russell’s squad includes a handful of first-time internationals, not least Coventry Blaze duo Johnny Curran and Nathanael Halbert.
Curran, who is projected to record 51 points (24 goals, 27 assists) this season, is a fantastic addition to Team GB’s offence.
The 27-year-old is in his third season with the Blaze and has improved year-on-year under Danny Stewart.
The Niagara Falls-born forward has the ability to produce highlight reel moments out of thin air and will help Great Britain cut through neutral zone traps set by Poland, Romania, and Japan.
Euro Ice Hockey Challenge Preview: Johnny Curran, Coventry Blaze (Image: Scott Wiggins)
While Curran is a welcome addition, Halbert’s selection could be a game-changer for Team GB.
The Nottingham-born defender captains the Blaze with confidence and has posted 26 points (five goals, 21 assists) in 24 appearances this term.
Halbert has the two-way ability that Team GB has needed for a while, which makes the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge even more watchable.
Team GB must build chemistry at Euro Ice Hockey Challenge
Team GB should win every game at the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge.
They have recent experience playing against the world’s elite hockey nations and compare favourably to Romania, Poland, and Japan.
But that is also a trap for Team GB.
Russell’s squad cannot afford to be complacent and must make the most of the international window to aid their preparations for the 2023 IIHF World Championship.
Team GB’s top priority should be to build chemistry, which is especially important for high-end offensive talents like Kirk, Neilson, and Mike Hammond.
The wait is almost over. International hockey returns soon.
Euro Ice Hockey Challenge Preview: Match Schedule
Friday 10th February
Planet Ice, Milton Keynes: Great Britain v Japan – 7pm
Skydome Arena, Coventry: Poland v Romania – 7pm
Saturday 11th February
Planet Ice, Milton Keynes: Romania v Japan – 2:30pm
Skydome Arena, Coventry: Poland v Great Britain – 7pm
Sunday 12th February
Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham: Great Britain v Romania
Skydome Arena, Coventry: Japan v Poland – 5:30pm
Preview: Are you excited for the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge? Join the conversation by tweeting @BritIceHockey.
