GB Women name squad for Olympic qualifiers

Great Britain Women have named their squad for next month’s Olympic qualification tournament in Astana.

The four-team competition runs from 3rd to 6th November, with the winners going through to the next stage in December.

GB take on hosts Kazakhstan, along with Poland and a qualifier from the first round.

Their final opponents will be known this weekend following the conclusion of a three-team tournament involving Turkey, Mexico and Hong Kong.

Head Coach Michelle Smith said: “Playing in an Olympic tournament really is the pinnacle for these players.

“World Championship tournaments are special, but this is a real honour and something very special indeed.

“Who couldn’t fail to be inspired by the success of our Olympic and Paralympic athletes a few months ago?

“We’ve picked a very strong squad but had to make some very difficult decisions. We believe we have a real mix of experience and youth to make an impact at this tournament.”

Netminders

Samantha Bolwell – Sheffield Shadows
Nicole Jackson – Kingston Diamonds

Defence

Louise Adams – Bracknell Queen Bees
Holly Cornford – Kingston Diamonds
Shannon Douglas – Ontario Hockey Academy
Bethany Hill – Chelmsford
Sarah Hutchinson – Widnes Wild
Lauren Summers – Bracknell Queen Bees

Forwards

Saffron Allen – Sheffield Shadows
CJ Ashton – Kingston Diamonds
Rachel Cartwright – Bracknell Queen Bees
Georgina Farman – Linkoping HC
Katie Henry – Solihull Vixens
Sophie Herbert – Bracknell Queen Bees
Kimberley Lane – Bracknell Queen Bees
Katie Marsden – Ontario Hockey Academy
Chrissy Newman – Bracknell Queen Bees
Abbie Sylvester – Bracknell Queen Bees
Casey Traill – Ontario Hockey Academy
Angela Taylor – ZSC Lions Frauen

(Image permission: IceHockeyMedia)