Longstaff bows out

Guildford Flames forward David Longstaff has retired from international ice hockey.

The 38-year-old has won 101 competitive caps for Great Britain since his first major tournament in 1994.

Longstaff said: "It has been a tremendous honour to play for the Great Britain national side. I have so many proud and happy memories, right back from making my debut against Russia in Pool A back in 1994.

"I have played with so many great team-mates, too many to mention, but they have all played a part in my GB career.

"I am proud that the last game I played for GB helped them reach the final stages of qualifying for the 2014 Olympics. I would like to wish all the guys the best of luck in Latvia and I will be rooting for them back home."

Coach Tony Hand added: "David has been a terrific player in the GB set-up for the last 18 years.

"He has been a popular figure in the GB dressing room for years and years and will be sadly missed. He has been a credit to his country."

GB face Latvia, France and Kazakhstan in early February, with the winner of the group qualifying for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.