Team Great Britain head Pete Russell is one step closer to finalising his roster for the 2023 IIHF Division 1A World Championship, cutting eight players from consideration on Wednesday [26 April].
Following the squad’s fourth pre-tournament exhibition on Tuesday [25 April], a 7-5 win versus Hungary, Russell announced his first set of roster cuts, with six forwards and two defencemen released from training camp.
Josh Batch and David Clements were removed from Team GB’s blueline, with national team debutant Nathanael Halbert retaining his place on the roster.
Forwards Kieran Brown, Ben Davies, Sam Duggan, Sean Norris, Ross Venus, and Brandon Whistle were also released, with Brown and Whistle listed with injuries.
“The coaching staff have had some very difficult decisions to make,” said assistant coach Corey Neilson.
Corey Neilson, Nottingham Panthers (Image: Elite League)
“The competition for places is as tough as it has ever been and it’s clear there are some very disappointed players – and that’s understandable. The players released showed incredible grace and genuinely wished the team much success upon hearing their personal bad news.
“They are a credit to their families and have the heart and spirit of GB national team players. We still have a final decision to make and will now continue our preparations with our final warm-up game against Hungary.”
Russell must remove two more players from his squad this week, with Team GB limited to a 22-player roster at the World Championship where they will face Italy, South Korea, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania.
Analysis: Sean Norris, Ben Davies shock admissions from Team Great Britain roster
Sean Norris enjoyed a remarkable season with the Milton Keynes Lightning and Belfast Giants.
The Ascot-born forward posted 76 points (27 goals, 49 assists) in 45 appearances for Milton Keynes and was a clutch performer when called upon by the Giants.
He also scored on his national team debut and is the kind of determined attacker that is useful in all situations.
Undoubtedly, it was bold of Pete Russell to remove him from Team Great Britain’s roster for the World Championship.
Ben Davies, Cardiff Devils (Image: James Assinder)
Ben Davies is another shock admission.
He is – after all – the author of so many memorable moments for the national team and remains a productive player at the Elite League level.
But life – and hockey – moves on.
Russell is retooling his roster, with new heroes on the climb.
Will it once again end in promotion? Recent results suggest it might, and perhaps should
