When the 2025 World Championships Division I – Group A begins next weekend, Great Britain will be the paper favourites to return to the top tier of international hockey.
It probably marks the best opportunity GB will have once again to face the likes of Canada, the USA and Sweden, given a changing of the guard and an ageing roster.
Cameron Critchlow, Evan Mosey, and David Phillips have all retired and nine members of the current roster are 34 or older.
Time is running out for Ben Bowns to keep playing at the highest level but he does bring a ton of international experience and the habit of producing special performances in key games.
Jackson Whistle has proven he can hang at the international level and I would not be surprised to see both goaltenders receive playing time.
The main area of concern for Great Britain is the blue line. There is no lack of experience but it’s the lack of footspeed which is of most concern, especially against the better nations in this group.
Ben O’Connor and Nathaneal Halbert will be leaned upon to provide offence from the blue line, especially on the power play.
The one selection of intrigue is Joe Hazeldine but I wonder how much ice time Pete Russell will allot the rookie in his first senior tournament.
Speaking of rookies, Kieran Brown (Leeds Knights) and Logan Neilson are part of the senior team for the first time.
Brown is undoubtedly a talent but you have to question whether he can adapt to the intentional stage given the level he plays in the UK. His inclusion is a fascinating decision by the head coach.
The remaining forwards are a familiar group but much as always will depend on Great Britain’s superstar.
Liam Kirk won a championship with Eisbaren Berlin on Friday and is set to join the squad this weekend.
Even if he misses game one, Kirk will be certain to play in the second game of the tournament.
Team GB face Italy, Japan, Poland, Ukraine, and hosts Romania in the 2025 IIHF Division 1A World Championship, looking to secure a top-two finish to earn promotion.
Ukraine is the lowest seed, having been promoted in 2024, but they are not to be underestimated. Their roster includes some talent, including captain Igor Merezhko, who plays in the Czech Extraliga for Plzen.
Romania are hosting the tournament with all games to be played at the Sepsi Arena in Sfântu Gheorghe. Romania finished fourth last year and will hope to go at least one spot better on home ice.
Japan are a somewhat unknown quality. They could end up in a relegation battle, but equally like to be amongst the medals. They were hugely competitive last year, taking Italy to overtime, defeating Korea and didn’t lose any game by more than two goals.
Italy will be GB’s penultimate opponent, and they are always a dangerous foe. They have hired Finnish coach Jukka Jalonen, and with the Winter Olympics around the corner, will be searching for a return to the elite tier of world hockey.
Poland was relegated along with Great Britain last year, finishing 16th overall. They will want an immediate return and will lean on players such as 20-year-old Krzysztof Maszias, who has just signed with Vitkovice of the Czech Extraliga.
Schedule (all times UK)
Sunday 27 Apr Great Britain v Ukraine 14:00
Monday 28 Apr Great Britain v Romania 17:30
Wednesday 30 Apr Great Britain v Japan 10:30
Thursday 01 May Great Britain v Italy 10:30
Saturday 03 May Great Britain v Poland 17:30
UK Hockey Blog 