Pete Russell announced his latest Team Great Britain squad on Wednesday [2 March] – and it’s fair to say that the national team is in a transitional period as World Championship season comes into stark focus.
There were maiden senior selections for Kieran Brown (Leeds Knights), Joe Hazeldine (Glasgow Clan), and Logan Neilson (Nottingham Panthers), filling the roster spots vacated by recent international retirees Cameron Critchlow, Evan Mosey, and David Phillips.
Team GB face Italy, Japan, Poland, Ukraine, and hosts Romania in the 2025 IIHF Division 1A World Championship, aiming to secure an immediate return to the top-flight following relegation in Czechia a year ago.
Ben Bowns, Team GB (Image: Dean Woolley)
In addition to the 23-man squad, Jack Hopkins, Jordan Kelsall, and Patrick Larkin join Archie Hazeldine as part of Team GB’s NextGen Programme.
“Having two of last year’s NextGen players selected to take part in this year’s World Championship, shows the importance of supporting our players in their transition into the senior squad,” said head of performance Andy Patridge.
“We are excited to offer Jack, Jordan, Patrick and Archie an opportunity on this year’s programme, which will further support them on their journey to become full GB internationals.”
Team Great Britain – 2025 IIHF World Championship (Division 1A) Roster
Netminders | Ben Browns, Lucas Brine, Jackson Whistle
Defencemen | Josh Batch, David Clements, Nathaneal Halbert, Joe Hazeldine, Ben O’Connor, Mark Richardson, Josh Tetlow
Forwards | Ollie Betteridge, Kieran Brown, Ben Davies, Robert Dowd, Sam Duggan, Liam Kirk, Robert Lachowicz, Ben Lake, Cade Neilson, Logan Neilson, Brett Perlini, Cole Shudra, Josh Waller
