Britain ice hockey head coach Doug Christiansen has narrowed his initial long-list squad for next month’s World Championships down to 28 and expects the competition for places to heat up as the tournament draws closer.
Christiansen has reduced his squad list by seven with the remaining 28 to take part in a training camp before two home internationals against the Netherlands in Sheffield and Coventry and who they’ll face at the worlds.
The squad will then be cut by five for the final roster for the World Championships, where Britain are bidding for promotion from Division 1B with the Dutch, hosts Lithuania, Croatia, Poland and Romania.
And, with just over a month to go before Britain play their first match against Croatia in Vilnius, Christiansen is relishing watching his players showing him what they have to offer over the coming weeks.
"In speaking with the coaching staff, we have narrowed our list of players to 28.All of the selected players will be attending the training camp in Coventry in April,” said Christiansen.
"At that camp, we will have the opportunity to see players side by side competing for spots. There are a number of places that are up for grabs.
"All 28 players will play in at least one of the two Netherlands games. I know last season the training camp in Manchester helped determine a number of player selections.
"My goal is to get the players who are playing the best and will be most committed to the team. I am hopeful that a couple younger players will emerge and learn from the veteran leaders that have been so successful over the years."
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