For the fourth time in five campaigns, Great Britain will face off against the best in the world.
The heartbreak of relegation in Finland at the 2022 World Championships, was swept aside last year.
With their top guns all back in the fold, Great Britain comfortably achieved promotion back to the top division, defeating all five opponents on home ice.
Now the question is whether Great Britain can pull off another great escape as in 2019 or perhaps something even better.
They have a more talented roster on paper than the last appearance at this level, bolstered by Liam Kirk and some other exciting additions.
Goaltenders
Ben Bowns
Jackson Whistle
Lucas Brine
For the first time, Head Coach Pete Russell might have the faith and confidence to split starts between his netminders. Ben Bowns will be the number one, as he should be due to his body of work and previous performances, Jackson Whistle has vastly improved in the last two seasons.
With a schedule including three back-to-backs, I can foresee Whistle being handed starts against Finland and Czechia to offload pressure from Bowns. A genuine tandem can only bolster Great Britain’s chances of gaining points to stave off relegation.
Defence
Josh Batch
Ben O’Connor
Josh Tetlow
Nathanael Halbert
David Phillips
Sam Jones
Mark Richardson
Evan Mosey
Sam Ruopp
The blue line comprises an excellent mix of experience, offence and adaptability. There are no rookies, with Jones and Tetlow the youngest of the core at 26 years of age.
Richardson, Phillips and O’Connor have been around the block and back and will provide much-needed know-how. Mosey provides adaptability and could be utilised as a forward, such as his offensive qualities. As does O’Connor and Halbert, and I predict the latter might surprise a nation or two with contributions from the blue line.
It’s a core that is more comfortable in possession than previous campaigns, and that stand’s them in good stead. With offence always going to be at a premium in these tournaments, the defence must limit giveaways and execute safe zone exits.
Forwards
Ollie Betteridge
Cam Critchlow
Johnny Curran
Ben Davies
Robert Dowd
Sam Duggan
Liam Kirk
Robert Lachowicz
Ben Lake
Cade Neilson
Sean Norris
Brett Perlini
Cole Shudra
It is not a one-player show. However, it’s also true to state that anything Great Britain achieves will likely be through their star performer – Liam Kirk.
The last time he starred on the world stage, Kirk earned himself an NHL contract through impressive performances and racking up goals. Now a free agent after playing in Czechia this past season, the Maltby native will be in the hockey shop window for a second time.
Cade Neilson was a surprise superstar in Finland in 2022, shocking the competition with outstanding individual performances and offensive output. There will be more eyes on him this time, but his game has matured and improved, plus he’s also physically stronger.
Captain Robert Dowd, Ben Davies and Brett Perlini have all previously shown they can produce at this level, while Ollie Betteridge, Robert Lachowicz, Sam Duggan and Ben Lake know what is required in more stoic roles. Depending on deployment, Lake could provide some much-needed offence from the bottom six.
Of the more recent newcomers, Johnny Curran is a player I could see breaking out for GB. He’s tasted international hockey and will now be fully cognisant of what it takes. He will fly under the radar of most nations.
Cole Shudra, Sean Norris and Cam Critchlow round out the remainder of the roster, with all making their international debut at the highest level, Critchlow can certainly hit the twine, but I feel Norris and Shudra will be used sparingly in this tournament with an eye to the future.
Schedule: (seed in brackets)
May 11 – Canada (1)
May 12 – Finland (2)
May 15 – Switzerland (7)
May 17 – Denmark (11)
May 18 – Czechia (8)
May 20 – Norway (12)
May 21 – Austria (15)
1) Canada as the first opponent of the tournament isn’t perhaps as detrimental as it may appear. The top seeds will not be fully into stride, and while Great Britain will struggle to live with them throughout the sixty minutes, it’ll be the perfect introduction for those not having played at this level before.
2) Facing Finland a day later will cap off an incredibly tough beginning to this tournament. I am an advocate for Jackson Whistle being given this start in what will be another testing game. Great Britain will lean on established players later in the tournament, which is why it’s the perfect opportunity to give more playing time to the newer members of the roster.
3) Regardless of whether Switzerland has their NHL stars, their roster comprising players from their native league will be a tough nut to crack. GB will hope to be more competitive than in the first two games, but even the most optimistic fan would struggle to predict anything but a regulation loss.
4) Game Four represents the first realistic opportunity for Great Britain to register a point. In 2021, GB did just that in an overtime loss to Denmark, two years after suffering a 9-0 loss.
5) The hosts will have designs on winning a medal. Some home fans will root for Liam Kirk after he had an excellent first season in Czechia with HC Litvinov. It’s a tough ask to see Great Britain taking anything from this game given the roster talent of the hosts. They play a North American brand of hockey, which GB will be familiar with.
6/7) Whether Great Britain fights off the prospect of relegation will ultimately rest on how they fare against Norway and Austria. They need look no further back than the 2022 tournament for inspiration. Great Britain suffered a defeat to Norway in penalty shots and lost 5-3 to Austria in a game in which they led 2-0 and 3-1. A more robust roster with two years more experience has a fighting chance of reversing those results and causing an upset.
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