Great Britain Women U18 have named their squad for next month’s World Championship (Division 1B) tournament in Katowice.

The six-team group also includes hosts Poland, along with China, Denmark, Italy and Kazakhstan and will run from Sunday 8th to Saturday 14th January 2017.

GB boss Michelle Smith said: “We came close to a bronze medal last year in Kazakhstan and really grew as a squad as the tournament went on.

“We have a number of players returning from last year’s squad and some who played for GB Women in the Olympic qualifiers in Kazakhstan.

“We will look to them for the experience in this tournament, as we have twelve new faces and some young players.

“But I think we have a great mix of youth and experience – and I know the squad is excited about the tournament.”

Netminders

Maisie Gilbert – Telford Tigers
Courtney Newitt – Oxford/Haringey

Defence

Lucy Beal – Slough/Bracknell
Shannon Douglas – Ontario Hockey Academy
Sophie Emmanuel – Swindon
Verity Lewis – Ontario Hockey Academy
Sophie Reeks – Widnes
Ellie Wakeling – Chelmsford/Bracknell
Jemma Wallis – Sutton/Sheffield

Forwards

Louise Beresford – Bracknell
Emily Harris – Basingstoke/Bracknell
Aimee Headland – Gloucester Cumberland Stars
Katie Marsden – Ontario Hockey Academy
Chloe Riley – Sutton/Sheffield
Elizabeth Saunders – Sheffield
Jessica Sprules – Swindon
Abbie Sylvester – Bracknell
Kiana Tait – Kingston
Casey Traill – Ontario Hockey Academy
Amy Truman – Solihull

(Image permission: Dean Woolley)