Lachowicz wins 50th cap and debuts for Billingsley and Lake

Forward Robert Lachowicz wins his 50th cap this afternoon – while there are debut caps for Tim Billingsley and Ben Lake – as Great Britain play Germany in their opening game at the World Championship in Kosice.

Lachowicz made his debut in 2011 in GB’s 5-3 victory over Poland in the World Championship Division I Group B in Ukraine.

Billingsley and Lake make their debuts today after being named in Pete Russell’s 22-man gameday roster.

All three were presented with their caps by Ice Hockey UK general secretary Andy French, while GB general manager Andy Buxton made a speech in the dressing room.

Lachowicz said: “I am so proud to reach 50 caps with such a special group of guys and at such a special tournament.

“Pulling on the GB jersey makes me very proud and it is an honour to reach this milestone.”

Billingsley said: “It was a special moment in the room with all the boys to receive my cap.

“We have a great group of guys and it is a fantastic team to be part of.”

Lake said: “I am really honoured to make my debut and be awarded a cap to mark this moment.

“Everyone is so focused ahead of such a massive game and we can’t wait to get going.”