GB NEWS

Great Britain opened the final leg of the Euro Hockey Challenge series in Austria with a 4-2 defeat by Slovenia.

Peter Rozic and and Jurij Golicic put Slovenia 2-0 up, before James Morgan pulled one back for Britain. Two quick strikes stretched Slovenia's lead before Steve Thornton struck late on.

Britain, who have now won just one of their 10 matches in the inaugural Euro Hockey Challenge, next face Italy.

Euro Ice Hockey Challenge - Austria
7th - 9th February 2003

Chris McSorley beefs up his Great Britain team for the Austrian leg of the
Euro Ice Hockey Challenge as the World Championships get closer.

Although McSorley has put together a team which should be competitive and gives some
of the flavour of the team which will travel to Croatia for the World
Championships in April there is still room for a couple of new caps.

The team is made up of 14 Findus British National League, 5 Superleague and 3
English Premier League players.

Travelling to Austria will be:

GOALTENDERS
Joe Watkins Bracknell
Ryan Ford Edinburgh

DEFENCE
Chris Bailey Cardiff
Scott Campbell Newcastle
Neil Liddiard Basingstoke
Scott Moody Slough
James Morgan Nottingham
James Pease Coventry
Brent Pope Solihull
Rob Wilson Newcastle

FORWARD
Paul Berrington Basingstoke
David Clarke Guildford
Mark Galazzi Guildford
Jeff Hoad London
Dominic Hopkins Dundee
Darren Hurley Bracknell
Rob Lamey Isle of Wight
Danny Meyers Solihull
Greg Owen Milton Keynes
Jon Phillips Cardiff
Steve Thornton Belfast
Jonathon Weaver Fife

GB U20 team were defeated 5-2 by Estonia in the IIHF World Championship to take second place and a silver medal.
All the Estonia goals were scored on the powerplay.

Steven Wallace took the individual GB honours of scoring 12 goals and collecting a total of 18 points.

Stewart Rugg posted the second best Goalkeeping stats of the tournament with 88.37% saves.

The key to the overall result probably lies in the Fair Play Award won by Estonia who also topped the final table.

Last Days Results
South Africa 6 Bulgaria 3
Lithuania 3 Romania 9
Great Britain 2 Estonia 5


                                 GP   W   T   L   F   A Pt
Estonia                          5   5   0   0 62   8 10
Great Britain                 5   4   0   1 64   7   8
Romania                       5   3   0   2 34 26   6
Lithuania                       5   2   0   3 21 31   4
South Africa                  5   1   0   4 12 58   2
Bulgaria                        5   0   0   5   5 68   0

GB Under 20 team are on the brink of winning not only the Gold Medal but also promotion from IIHF Under 20 World Championship Division 2 Group A, following an emphatic win against Lithuania 13 -1 in Romania.

Another fine display of finishing with 64 shots on goal guaranteed the Silver Medal.

It all depends now on the last game of the tournament tomorrow (12.1.03)against closest rivals Estonia in what may turn out to be a battle of the defences.

No matter what happens now, the team and coaching staff have shown what can be achieved with grit and determination.

Results:
Romania 8 South Africa 1
Estonia 21 Bulgaria 0
Lithuania 1 Great Britain 13

                                 GP   W   T   L   F   A Pt
Great Britain                 4   4   0   0 62   2   8
Estonia                         4   4   0   0 57    6   8
Romania                        4   2   0   2 25 23   4
Lithuania                         4   2   0   2 18 22   4
South Africa                  4   0   0   4    6 55   0
Bulgaria                       4   0   0   4    2 62   0

GB Under 20 team continued their winning way in the IIHF Under 20 World Championship Division 2 Group A today in Romania.

Completely overwhelming South Africa 21-0, they are now guaranteed a medal in the competition although they do have to meet their closest rivals for promotion, Lithuania and Estonia over the week end.

GB amassed a total of 95 shots with just 3 against which demonstrates the dominance they had.

Estonia 6 Lithuania 1
Great Britain 21 South Africa 0
Bulgaria 0 Romania 15

                                GP W   T   L   F   A Pt
Great Britain               3   3   0   0 49   1   6
Estonia                       3   3   0   0 36   6   6
Lithuania                     3   2   0   1 17    9   4
Romania                      3   1   0   2 17 22   2
Bulgaria                       3   0   0   3   2   41   0
South Africa                 3   0   0   3   5   47   0
NOTE: Table sorted by Points and Games between the teams

Following the recent showing of the future of British Ice hockey at Senior Level in Ukraine, the GB Under 20 team have now turned their attention to the U20 World Championships, Division ll, Group A being played in Romania.

At the first 'Rest Day' the Great Britain Under 20 team top the table only allowing one goal against whilst scoring 28 for!

On the first day of the tournament the team put on a goal scoring show,beating Bulgaria 19 - 0 (0-6,0-5,0-8) and followed that victory with another, almost as impressive, beating the home country Romania 9 -1 (4,0,2-0,3-1)

Remaining Schedule:

09.01.03 15:30 GB v South Africa
10.01.03 REST DAY
11.01.03 19:30 Lithuania v GB
12.01.03 19:30 GB v Estonia

Amongst the top scorers:

                             GP     G     A     P     PiM     +/-
Paul Moran           2     4     6     10     4        10
Ryan Lake             2     6     1       7     6        10
Matthew Myers     2     4     3       7     0         4
Stephen Wallace    2     3     3       6     6          5
Matt Towalski        2     2     4       6     2          5
Russell Cowley       2     4     1       5     2           3
Danny Meyers        2     2     2       4     25        6
Paddy Ward           2     0     4       4      0         6
Adam Carr             2     1      2       3      2         5
Adam Radmall        2      1      2       3     2          5

Sunday 15 December
Great Britain 2 Hungary 5
Netherlands 1 Denmark 6
Poland 0 Latvia 2
Ukraine 2 Belarus 4

Saturday 14 December
Ukraine 11 Great Britain 0
Latvia 5 Denmark 3
Poland 8 Netherlands 3
Belarus 9 Hungary 4
Slovenia 2 France 5
Norway 9 Croatia 1

Friday 13/12/2002
Great Britain 3-10 Belarus
Latvia 8-0 Netherlands
Croatia 0-9 France
Hungary 0-3 Ukraine
Norway 1-4 Slovenia
Poland 0-1 Denmark

For FULL Match Reports Click HERE

                      Bled (SLO)
                                  GP W   T   L   F   A Pt
France                          3   3   0   0 16   2   6
Slovenia                        3   2   0   1 13   6   4
Norway                        3   1   0   2 10   7   2
Croatia                          3   0   0   3   1 25   0

                            Gdansk (POL)
                                 GP W   T   L   F   A Pt
Latvia                           3   3   0   0 15   3   6
Denmark                       3   2   0   1 10   6   4
Poland                          3   1   0   2    8   6   2
Netherlands                   3   0   0   3    4 22 0

                            Kiev (UKR)
                                GP W   T   L   F   A Pt
Belarus                       3   3   0   0 23   9   6
Ukraine                       3   2   0   1 16   4   4
Hungary                       3   1   0   2   9 14   2
Great Britain                 3   0   0   3   5 26   0

NOTE: Tables sorted by Points and Games between the teams

SQUAD ANNOUNCED FOR EURO ICE HOCKEY CHALLENGE IN UKRAINE

29/11/2002

Undaunted by a cold, cold weather forecast, the Great Britain team that has
been chosen to travel to the Ukraine on 11th December is promising the
opposing teams that they will heat up the ice with their play.

Taking Europe by surprise is becoming run of the mill for Chris McSorley's
teams! Expected to come bottom of the pile last trip out in Hungary they
whitewashed the home team and brought home a handsome 3rd place trophy.

This time the team is headed by Rick Strachan in his first foray as
Assistant Coach and the team has a different look yet again! Keeping to its
promise of giving some of the up and coming British talent a taste of top
class opposition abroad the team has been chosen with this firmly in mind:

Paul Berrington Basingstoke
Neil Liddiard Basingstoke
Adam Bicknell Slough
Scott Moody Slough
Danny Marshall Romford
Ricky Plant Guildford
Mark Galazzi Guildford
Jon Philips Cardiff
Chris Bailey Cardiff
Russell Cowley Coventry
James Pease Coventry
Kyle Horne Fife
Chris Conaboy Dundee
Paul Sample Dundee
Ian Defty Newcastle
Simon Leach Newcastle
Greg Owen Bracknell
Joe Watkins Bracknell
Mark Richardson Swindon
Andy Moffatt Isle of Wight
Mark Florence Hull
Karl Hopper Hull

Also travelling with the team in official Nigel Boniface.

Game Schedule:
December 13th 15:00 Belarus v Great Britain
18:30 Hungary v Ukraine
December 14th 15:00 Belarus v Hungary
18.30 Ukraine v Great Britain
December 15th 13:00 Great Britain v Hungary
16:30 Ukraine v Belarus

The Great Britain Senior Ice Hockey team travel to Hungary on 7th November for the next leg of the prestigious Euro Ice Hockey Challenge. In keeping with Ice Hockey UK's promise to give a taste of senior international duty to younger players those travelling to Hungary are:

Forwards
Gary Wishart Dundee
Mark Florence Hull
David Clarke Guildford
Rob Lamey Swindon
Paul Berrington Basingstoke
Tom Watkins Coventry
Nicky Cross Basingstoke
Greg Owen Milton Keynes
Ricky Plant Guildford
Warren Tait Cardiff
Stephen Lynch Edinburgh
Paul Moran Solihull

Defence
James Pease Coventry
Kyle Horne Fife
Karl Hopper Hull
Scott Moody Slough
Richie Thornton Newcastle
Chris Bailey Cardiff
Brent Pope Solihull
Ian Defty Newcastle

Goal
Joe Watkins Bracknell
Mark Cavallin Scottish Eagles
Barry Hollyhead Milton Keynes

The team is made up of 17 players from Findus British National League, 4 from English Premier League and 2 from Ice Hockey Superleague.

Also travelling with the team is top Referee Andy Carson.

Press Release from Ice Hockey UK:

Belarus Stamp Their Authority on the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge

Tonight’s game got off to an incredibly exciting start when Tournament-favourites, the mighty Belarus, thundered one past a bewildered Stephen Murphy after only 10 seconds. It could have been 2-0 moments later but the goal was disallowed.

Luck evaded GB shortly afterwards when Brent Pope was sent to the sin-bin for Elbows, only to be joined 5 seconds later by new Solihull team-mate Rick Strachan, given 2 minutes for Hooking. After an early clearance by Wilson, the pressure at the GB end was too intense for Murphy and the stunning Belarusian stick-handling paid off to give them their first powerplay goal and a 2-0 lead after only 3:30 minutes, through Andrei Mikhalev.

With tempers flying high, the third blow came to GB just after 7 minutes when Mikhalev scored a breakaway goal for his short-handed side. GB were 3 goals down. GB wasn’t without opportunities and Tait’s shot off the post raised hopes. As the clock ran into the final minute and with yet another 5 on 4, McSorley called a Time Out to assemble the troops. Although shots on goal were plentiful, GB were unable to capitalise on the remaining seconds with the man advantage. The period ended 3-0 to Belarus.

As the two teams took to the ice for the second period, GB were again unable to crack the Belarusian defence to take advantage of their 5 on 3. Getting into the game seemed even more remote when Vadim Bekbulaton scored five and a half minutes into the period. With another powerplay squandered tempers frayed as GB became increasingly frustrated. A flurry of penalties followed but things began to look up for GB when Strachan fired several shots on goal during another powerplay, but again was shut out by the awesome netminding of Leonid Grishukevich.

An increasingly skilful Belarus took full advantage of a tiring home side and as Mikhalev completed his hat-trick, GB became more deflated. Wilson fired one off the post as the buzzer sounded and McSorley knew his team had it all to do. The period ended 5-0.

GB came out fighting at the start of the last period, but it was Murphy who found himself under intense pressure once again and he responded with a series of excellent saves. GB’s hard-fought response ended when they became short-handed through a Holding penalty on Gary Wishart. Not content with a 5-goal lead, Belarus fought to keep possession and as the play became more frenzied passions reached new heights. As the frequent scuffles became more serious, further penalties were handed out to both teams. GB battle hard and fast, but were constantly out-muscled by a superior Belarus team. As the puck found the back of the GB net for the 6th time with less than 3 minutes on the clock, all hopes of a miraculous comeback faded. A chance to prevent a shutout came when Andrei Kastsitsyn was penalised for Elbows but again Belarus were just too strong. An icing call with 4 seconds remaining gave GB a last ditch attempt to get on the scoreboard, but it wasn’t to be as Belarus stamped their authority on the Tournament by winning 6 – 0.

As the final buzzer sent disappointment through the hearts of the GB fans, passions overflowed and both benches cleared to support their team-mates in a show of National pride. Resultant Match penalties for the instigators, Neil Liddiard and Andrei Bashko means that both teams enter the final day one player short.

As part of their month-long visit to Nottingham, 10 orphans from Minsk were at the Arena to support their National Team. As Guests of Honour, they helped Chairman of the Nottingham Link Nick Sellers, present Man of the Match awards to Paul Berrington and Andrei Mikhalev, before joining both teams for photos to record their memories of a very special day.

Played @ Nottingham N.I.C

01/09/2002
Slovenia 2-4 Belarus (Belarus win Group)
Great Britain 3- 9 Hungary

THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME

Orphans ‘Guests of Honour’ at Euro Ice Hockey Challenge

10 Orphans from the Belarusian city of Minsk, who are visiting Nottingham as part of a nation-wide annual exchange, are to meet their National Ice Hockey Team at the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge.
The radiation-affected children who come from ‘Number 8 Orphanage’ in Minsk are staying with Nottingham-based families for four weeks as part of the Chernobyl Children Life Line charity exchange. The organisation was founded in 1987 and since then has given this wonderful opportunity to thousands of children at Link Centres the length and breadth of Britain.

Nick Sellers, Chairman of Nottingham Link, explained what the trip is all about. "For several years I worried about the benefit of bringing these children into the country for a short break and then returning them to the grim conditions at their orphanages. But I know first hand how much good it does the children. They experience a different life and it gives them hope. You can see a difference in these children and they go on get jobs and support themselves. It still breaks my heart every time I go to Belarus, but being able to help makes it all worthwhile".

Having already visited many of Nottingham’s local attractions, the children’s stay will be made even more special when they are ‘guests of honour’ at the GB versus Belarus games, taking place on the Saturday night of the 3-Day event, which starts on August 30th. They have also been invited to watch their home nation in training prior to the Tournament, before joining them on the ice for autographs and photos.

In preparation for their visit, the orphans were welcomed to the National Ice Centre by youngsters taking part in the first annual NIC Hockey School, who presented them with their Tournament Passes. They were then shown backstage and to the dressing room their national team will use in two weeks time.

The Euro Ice Hockey Challenge runs from August 30th to September 1st, with the highlight of the weekend undoubtedly being the Saturday night’s game, which faces off at 18:30. The full schedule is as follows:

Friday August 30th Belarus V Hungary 15:00
GB v Slovenia 19:00
Saturday August 31st Slovenia v Hungary 14:30
Belarus V GB 18:30
Sunday September 1st Slovenia v Belarus 14:30
Hungary v GB 18:30

To extend your welcome to these children and to share in the excitement of elite European Ice Hockey, contact the NIC Box Office on 0115 853 3000. Tickets start from as little as £6 per day with 3-Day Tournament Passes starting from £15. Family Passes and group discounts are also available.

Support the GB Ice Hockey Team at the National Ice Centre and ‘Experience The Pride!’

EXPERIENCE THE PRIDE!

EURO ICE HOCKEY CHALLENGE, NATIONAL ICE CENTRE, NOTTINGHAM
30th August - 1st September.

The final Great Britain team for the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge has been
released by Chris McSorley and his assistant coaches, Rick Strachan and Gary
Stefan.

As promised by Ice Hockey UK, the team has a very different look. Half of
the team has never faced Senior International competition before. Said
Chris McSorley, "We look a bit like David against Europe's Goliath, but that
contest came out well for the little guy! We know that we can rely on our
team to give 110% commitment. I am confident that we will give a good show
and maybe our enthusiasm and will to win will be enough to weigh the pebble
in our sling-shot heavier!"

The Tournament faces off on Friday 30th August at 3 p.m.; pitting Belarus
against Hungary. At 7 p.m. Great Britain open their campaign with a game
against Slovenia who snatched the title in Slovenia two years ago by a slim
goal difference margin.

On Saturday, Slovenia play Hungary at 2.30 and Great Britain take on the
giant killing Belorussians at 6.30. Sunday continues the feast of top
International ice hockey with Slovenia versus Belarus at 2.30 and culminates
with Great Britain meeting last year's victors Hungary at 6.30.

A daunting task for McSorley's team. With new Assistant Coach Rick Strachan
and the untried Great British team all having to prove themselves in the
International arena, it should be an interesting weekend's ice hockey, to
say the least!

GB TEAM LIST
30th August - 1st September 2002

Forwards
David Longstaff Manchester
Jonathan Weaver Scottish Eagles
David Clarke   Guildford
Mike Ellis   Basingstoke
Paul Berrington Basingstoke
Ashley Tait   Coventry
Nick Cross   Basingstoke
Ricky Plant   Guildford
Tom Watkins Coventry
Gary Wishart Dundee
Jeff Hoad   London
Marc Levers   Basingstoke
Mark Florence Hull
Rob Lamey   Swindon (reserve)
Jonathan Philips Cardiff (reserve)

Defence
Rob Wilson   Manchester
Rick Strachan Solihull
Kyle Horne   Fife
James Manson Cardiff
Brent Pope   Solihull
Neil Liddiard Basingstoke
Richard Thornton Newcastle
Chris Bailey   Cardiff (reserve)

Goal
Joe Watkins   Bracknell
Stephen Murphy Dundee
Andy Moffat Isle of Wight (reserve)

Longstaff Back in UK Action

Former Steelers favourite and now Storm's, David Longstaff, who became the first Briton to join in the Swedish Elite League, will play his first competitive game on British soil since leaving Sheffield two years ago.

The Superleague Player of the Year 2000/01 is now back in action with last season's play-off finalists Manchester Storm. He will hope to
avenge the memories of Hungary earlier this year at the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge in Nottingham. After serious injury and illness forced him to miss all bar one game at the World Championships, the GB captain is eager to lead his new-look national side to greater international heights.

"Naturally I'm very excited", says Longstaff. "This is the first major
Tournament in which Great Britain have played on home soil and it
provides the unusual opportunity for all of our family, friends and
supporters to be able to watch us play".

Frank Kovacs will also be making a return to these shores, playing his
part in helping Hungary to create further upsets on the international
stage. The former Steelers stalwart, now playing for Alba Volán, will no doubt reinforce his tough guy reputation as Hungary look to his size and experience to make them victorious at the first of these European Challenges.

With tickets starting from as little as £6 per day there has never been a better time to see both David and Frank in action and witness elite European Ice Hockey in state of the art facilities.

3-Day Tournament Passes start from £15 and Family Passes and group
discounts are also available for the event between August 30th and
September 1st. Call the NIC Box Office on 0115 853 3000 for details and bookings.

Support the GB Ice Hockey Team at the National Ice Centre and
'Experience The Pride!'

With the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge fast approaching, Ice Hockey UK has immediately appointed an new assistant coach to the National Senior Team.

After discussions with Head Coach Chris McSorley, Assistant Coach Gary Stefan, Chairman Jim Anderson, Executive Team Manager John Bailey and outgoing Assistant Coach Paul Thompson, Ice Hockey UK are delighted to announce the appointment of Rick Strachan as the new Assistant Coach.

Rick was over the moon when approached to take the position and is looking forward to his new role. He did have one condition before accepting, though...Rick insisted that he be allowed to play in the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge at the end of August at the National Ice Centre, Nottingham!

Rick, coach of Solihull MK Kings in the Findus British National League, said, "At least I'll still get three games in before I have to put on the tie! My wife is impressed that I have found a way to retire and still be involved in the Programme!"

The coaching staff and Jim Anderson are certain that Rick's enthusiasm and dedication to the sport will benefit the whole team and National Programme.

Ice Hockey UK is pleased to announce a Squad of 26 players for the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge at the National Ice Centre, Nottingham at the end of August.

The team will be a good mix of youth and experience. There are at least 15 new International caps who should revel in the opportunity to share the ice with the 'old' guard.

This new look squad faces the giant killing Belarussian team and Great Britain's old adversaries, Hungary and Slovenia.

Forwards
David Longstaff - Manchester (ISL)
Jonathan Weaver - Scottish Eagles (ISL)
David Clarke - Guildford (FBNL)
Mike Ellis - Basingstoke (FBNL)
Ashley Tait - Nottingham 01/02 (ISL)
Nick Cross - Basingstoke (FBNL)
Ricky Plant - Guildford (FBNL)
Tom Watkins - Coventry (FBNL)
Gary Wishart - Dundee (FBNL)
Jeff Hoad - Belfast 01/02 (ISL)
Rob Lamey - Swindon (EPNL)
Darren Cotton - Peterborough (EPNL)
Jonathan Philips - Cardiff (FBNL)
Marc Levers - Basingstoke (FBNL)
Mark Florence - Hull (FBNL)

Defence
Rob Wilson - Manchester (ISL)
Rick Strachan - Solihull (FBNL)
Kyle Horne - Fife (FBNL)
James Manson - Cardiff (FBNL)
Brent Pope - Solihull (FBNL)
Chris Bailey - Cardiff (FBNL)
James Pease - Coventry (FBNL)
Ian Defty - Newcastle (FBNL)
Richard Thornton - Newcastle (FBNL)

Goal
Joe Watkins - Bracknell (ISL)
Stephen Murphy - Dundee (FBNL)
Andy Moffat - Isle of Wight (EPNL)

Tickets for the tournament are still available and more details are available from the Nottingham Ice Centre on 0115 853 3000

Paul Thompson the GB Senior Assistant Coach has resigned his position.

Paul has been under pressure because of his full time duties as Coventry Blaze Head Coach and the fact that Sam, his wife, has just given birth to their second child. As the new IIHF Schedule means four overseas trips this year, Paul feels that he cannot give the position as Assistant Coach to the National team the time it deserves. Paul, being one of the few true professionals, is reluctant to do anything unless he can do it well and give a 100% commitment.

John Bailey, GB Executive Manager, said, "It's like losing a member of the family. I knew Paul was under pressure with his full time commitment to Coventry and his family are very young. I fully understand his reasons. Thommo has been my right hand man with Chris being out of the country, it has always been Paul and me who did the day to day business regarding the GB team. It will be very hard to replace him."

Chris McSorley, GB Head Coach, added, "I would like to thank Paul for hispersonal
contribution over the past two years. Because of the increased IIHF programme and his club responsibilities I fully understand his decision, not only do we lose a great friend but most importantly a great coach. I would like to wish Paul the very best for the future."

Jim Anderson, Chairman of Ice Hockey UK, is saddened by the decision but fully understand Paul's reasons, he remarked, "All the positions within the National Programme are on a volunteer basis and professionals like Paul have a limited amount of time to donate. Paul is the type of person that if he cannot give the position 100% he will back out and let someone take over who has the time to give the commitment needed. On behalf of the board of Ice Hockey UK I would like to thank Paul for all his efforts over the past two years."

The National Ice Centre and Ice Hockey UK are thrilled to announce the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge at the National Ice Centre, Nottingham, 30 August - 1 September 2002.

Battled out over three action packed days, the non-stop feast of ice hockey will see Great Britain pit their skills against Olympic semi-finalists Belarus, GB's top-flight adversary Slovenia and commanding Division 1 rival Hungary.

Watch GB rise to the challenge against Europe's finest Ice Hockey teams at this year's biggest European Ice Hockey Event - the first to take place at the National Ice Centre.

Geoff Huckstep, Chief Executive at the National Ice Centre said; "I am delighted to join forces with Ice Hockey UK to host top-class sporting talent at the National Ice Centre - without a doubt, the best ice facility in the UK. I'm sure hockey fans will be out in force to lend GB their support, at what promises to be a fantastic three day tournament for all the family with an electric atmosphere."

Gill Short of Ice Hockey UK added: "The Great Britain players and staff love the National Ice Centre in Nottingham and are all excited that they are able to take advantage of the wonderful facilities that it has to offer. With England doing so well in the cricket and football we are sure that Ice Hockey fans will come to support their Great Britain team! We are looking forward to the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge and to facing off against such great teams as Belarus, Slovenia and Hungary."

5,000 tickets go on sale to the general public on Monday 24 June 2002 at 9am. All tickets can be purchased through the Ticket Hotline 0870 121 0123 (24hour line), online at www.nottingham-arena.co.uk or in person at the National Ice Centre, Lower Parliament Street, Nottingham.

Tickets prices -

Day Passes:
Adults £12.00 Concessions* £10.00
Under 16s £6.00 Family Pass** £26.00

3 Day Tournament Passes:
Adults £30.00 Concessions* £25.00
Under 16s £15.00 Family Pass** £65

* Concessions - registered disabled, over 60's, job seekers, and NUS
** Family Pass - 2 adults and 2 concessions or 2 under 16's
All tickets may be subject to availability and a booking fee.

Support the Great Britain Ice Hockey Team at the National Ice Centre and
'Experience The Pride!'

For further information please contact:

Becky Pope, Media Manager, Ice Hockey UK on 0115 910 0101, [email protected]

Or

Helen Cundy, PR & Promotions Manager, National Ice Centre on 0115 853
3063, [email protected]

At the International Ice Hockey Annual Congress in Sweden next year's World Championships fixtures are being decided.

Hot off the press today's news is:

Division 1, Pool B will be held in Croatia, 13th - 20th April 2003, in the group is:

Great Britain
Croatia
Italy
France
Estonia
Norway

Great Britain Under 18s have been promoted to Division 1 Group A and will play in Latvia, 22 - 28th March 2003 and will face:

Latvia
Germany
Slovenia
Denmark
Japan

In addition to this the Under 18s will travel to France for a tournament in February 2003.

Under 20 will play in Romania from 5 - 11 January

Women's championship will not be decided until semi-annual Congress in October/November

More news as we get it!

Game 5 : Norway 2 GB 1 - Team GB played their final game in the Div 1 Pool B group this afternoon against Norway but were unable to end their week in Hungary on a high note. The first period was goalless but Paul Berrington put GB ahead at 25.19 with a powerplay goal assisted by Rob Wilson. Norway’s answer was a shorthanded effort just before the end of the second to level the score and they finished the job at 46.33 with an equal strength goal. PIM’s : Norway 36, GB 53 (including a Match penalty for Scott Campbell).

This game finishes a disappointing tournament for Chris McSorley and the GB team of whom hopes were high. News has also come through that David Longstaff has been hospitalised prior to today’s game with deep vein thrombosis after being struck on the leg by an opponent's stick. He is expected to remain in hospital for another 12 days.

Denmark 6 Hungary 2 - This result between the top two in the group sees Denmark run out surprise winners for promotion to Group A. The result of the other game today was China 2 Romania 4.

Final Table:
                                 GP   W   T   L   F   A Pt
Denmark                        5   5   0   0 40 10 10
Hungary                       5   4   0   1 19   9   8
Norway                        5   3   0   2 26 11   6
Great Britain                 5   2   0   3 18 16   4
Romania                       5   1   0   4 10 31   2
China                           5   0   0   5   7 43   0

Results and Fixtures:
14.04.02 Romania 1-8 Norway
14.04.02 Great Britain 3-5 Denmark
14.04.02 Hungary 6-0 China
15.04.02 Denmark 12-2 Romania
15.04.02 Norway 12-2 China
15.04.02 Great Britain 1-4 Hungary
17.04.02 China 0-13 Denmark
17.04.02 Romania 2-5 Great Britain
17.04.02 Hungary 3-1 Norway
19.04.02 China 3-8 Great Britain
19.04.02 Norway 3-4 Denmark
19.04.02 Romania 1-4 Hungary
20.04.02 Norway 2-1 Great Britain
20.04.02 China 2-4 Romania
20.04.02 Denmark 6-2 Hungary

In Group A, Belarus came out on top and win promotion to the elite top group. France were runners up followed by Kazhakstan, Netherlands, Croatia and finally Korea.

20/04/2002

CHINA 3 GREAT BRITAIN 8
After two opening defeats, GB today grabbed their second victory in this year’s World Championships.

GB were backed by Stevie Lyle in goal for their 8-3 win against China, who had lost previously to Hungary, Norway and Denmark. GB out-shot China by 38-21 and Lyle is now ranked third amongst netminders.

Darren Hurley hit a hat-trick as Britain stayed on course for bronze in the World Championships in Hungary.

Britain seemed to be cruising at 3-0 with goals from Jeff Hoad and a Hurley brace until Lei Zhang and Yongquan Pan (powerplay) cut China's deficit.

But Rick Strachan added a fourth before Hoad and Hurley made it 6-2. Kai Yin clawed another back, but Michael Tasker and Ashley Tait completed the rout.

Other results:
17/4 Hungary 3 Norway 1
19/4 Norway 3 Denmark 4
19/4 Romania 1 Hungary 4

GB BOUNCE BACK WITH WIN

18/04/2002

ROMANIA 2 GREAT BRITAIN 5
Britain bounced back from defeat in their opening two World Championship group games with a win that keeps them in the hunt for a medal in Hungary.

Chris McSorley's side went behind after just 103sec but hit back with powerplay goals from Tony Hand and Rob Wilson.

Netminder Stevie Lyle denied Romania and three goals in four third-period minutes from David Longstaff, Rick Brebant and Jeff Hoad sealed victory.

Other Results:
China 0 Denmark 13
Hungary 3 Norway 1

Table:
                    P   W L D   GF:GA   Pt
1   Denmark         3   3 0 0   30:5     6
2   Hungary          3   3 0 0   13:2     6
3   Norway          3   2 1 0   21:6     4
4   Great Britain   3   1 2 0    9:11    2
5   Romania         3   0 3 0    5:25    0
6   China              3   0 3 0    2:31    0

HUNGARY 4 GREAT BRITAIN 1

Great Britain's hopes of reaching the World Championship top flight are all but over after defeat to hosts Hungary.

Bracknell Bees goaltender Joe Watkins was beaten twice inside the first seven minutes through Krisztian Palkovics and Balazs Ladanyi (short-handed) before Colin Shields pulled one back.

Britain kept it tight until the final period when goals from Palkovics and Ladanyi condemned them to another loss.

Other Results:
Denmark 12 Romania 2
Norway 12 China 2
Great Britain 1 Hungary 4

            Table:
                             GP   W   T   L   F   A Pt
Norway                          2   2   0   0 20   3   4
Denmark                       2   2   0   0 17   5   4
Hungary                         2   2   0   0 10   1   4
Great Britain                 2   0   0   2   4    9   0
China                             2   0   0   2   2 18   0
Romania                       2   0   0   2   3 20   0

DENMARK 5 GREAT BRITAIN 3

Great Britain's bid to reach the top flight of the World Championship suffered an opening day setback after losing to Denmark in Hungary.

Tony Hand fired GB in front but Thomas Johnsen equalised through a powerplay, before Darren Hurley and Colin Shields put Chris McSorley's side 3-1 up.

Denmark pulled level through Kim Staal and Jesper Damgaard before Morten Green and Lars Molgaard secured the win.

Other Results:
Romania 1 Norway 8
Great Britain 3 Denmark 5
Hungary 6 China 0

Table:
                             GP   W   T   L   F   A Pt
Norway                         1   1   0   0   8   1   2
Hungary                        1   1   0   0   6   0   2
Denmark                       1   1   0   0   5   3   2
Great Britain                 1   0   0   1   3   5   0
China                             1   0   0   1   0   6   0
Romania                       1   0   0   1   1   8   0

The Great Britain team has been announced for the World Championships in Hungary.

The big surprise will be the inclusion of Guildford's Scott Campbell and the exclusion of last years starter Kyle Horne from Fife.

Hoad Longstaff Tasker Hand Weaver Tait Ellis Hurley Wishart Brebant Shields Clarke
Berrington

The GB women's team put up a fighting display at Hull this weekend but just fell short at the in their final game.

Italy had beaten Belgium 2-0 the previous day which meant a Sunday showdown for the top spot.

GB had a poor first period and looked a shadow of the team that had played Saturday. This resulted in them going in 3-0 down. Whatever Tony Hall said in the interval worked and GB came roaring back to level the game at 3-3 at the second interval with a goal from Nicola Bicknell. However Italy scored early in the third to restore the lead. GB had a golden chance to pull level when Italy conceded a penalty shot. The effort was not decisive enough and although the puck came off the goalies leg it rolled agonisingly wide of the post.

GB put on a superb last effort to equalise and although they had a few good chances they just could not find the goal.

All in all a great effort against a much fancied Italy. GB will take heart from their effort as they were without their two top scorers and 7 players in total from last years team.

Ice Hockey UK to Host Major New Tournament

Belarus, hot from their amazing success in the Olympics in Salt Lake City will be part of the first round to be hosted by Ice Hockey UK on 30th August - 3rd September 2002.

Along with Slovenia and Hungary they will provide the opposition for our own Great Britain team as part of this thrilling new IIHF tournament.

Designed to strengthen the national teams and to provide good competition, Austria, Belarus, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, the Ukraine and the Netherlands by have agreed to hold 3 tournaments which will take place during the IIHF National breaks in August, November, December and February each year.

Great Britain will travel to Hungary in November, the Ukraine in December and Austria in February 2003.

This is an amazing opportunity for us in this country to watch some wonderfully exciting ice hockey and to cheer our very own Great Britain team!

Further details will be made available shortly.

All queries to Gill Short in the Ice Hockey UK Nottingham office.

Gill Short click here

Chris McSorley, Great Britain Head Coach, and his wife Eva are delighted to announce the addition of another McSorley to the world!

Aidan Christopher arrived at 5 a.m. yesterday, 27th February 2002 a brother for their daughter Chloe.

Ice Hockey UK directors and staff wish Chris, Eva and Chloe great happiness with the new arrival!

26/02/2002

Ice Hockey UK is pleased to be able to announce the squad of players from which the 2002 Great Britain National Team will be selected. All of the players named will be taking part in the National Team Pre-World
Championship training camp to be held from 8th to 12th April 2002 at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham. Twenty three players will be travelling to Hungary on Saturday 13th Aril 2002 to take part in the IIHF World
Championships Division 1, Group B.

Game Schedule:
14th April Sunday 16.30hrs Great Britain v Denmark
15th April Monday 20.00hrs Great Britain v Hungary
17th April Wednesday 16.30hrs Romania v Great Britain
19th April Friday 13.00hrs China v Great Britain
20th April Saturday 13.00hrs Norway v Great Britain

Chris McSorley, speaking from Geneva, said 'The team that myself and Paul (Thompson) have put together is a mixture of experience and youth. We are more than confident that the journey we all started last April to reach the 2006 Winter Olympics will be within our grasp come 20th April 2002. Unfortunately we cannot take all the guys but we have had to put together a sizable squad due to the possibility of injury, we must not forget there are still a large number of playoff games before April.'

John Bailey - GB Teams Executive Manager said ' We have the squad that will take us closer to the 2006 Winter Olympics. Everyone involved in this programme is dedicated to ensuring that we reach that goal, obviously if we had funding our preparations could be better but we will be there have no fear of that. Bailey went on to acknowledge the support from the GB Supporters club, the IHPA and Ice Hockey UK plus all the member associations. '

FORWARDS
Paul Berrington
Rick Brebant
David Clarke
Nick Cross
Mike Ellis
Tony Hand
David Longstaff
Darren Hurley
Colin Shields
Steve Thornton
Tom Watkins
Jonathan Weaver
Ashley Tait
Gary Wishart
Michael Tasker
Ricky Plant

DEFENCE
Scott Campbell
Paul Dixon
Kyle Horne
Neil Liddiard
Craig Nelson
Rob WilsonScott Young
James Manson
Rick Strachan

GOAL TENDERS
Stevie Lyle
Stephen Murphy
Joe Watkins

26/02/2002

The Great Britain Under 18 squad travel to Briancon, France on 21st March for the 2002 IIHF World U18 Championship Dvision II

In Goal:
Ricky Ashton            Altrincham
Alan Levers              Nottingham
Geoff Woolhouse Nottingham (reserve)

Defence
Paddy Ward                Ayr
Rhodri Evans             Cardiff
Adam Radmall            Nottingham
James Hutchinson   Whitley Bay
Dan Hughes                 Vasteras IK (Sweden)
David Thomas              Billingham
Leigh Jamieson          Milton Keynes
Adam Tercan              Guildford (reserve)

Forward
Tom Pope                      Basingstoke
Stephen Wallace   Hull

Dean Mills                  Swindon
Joe Wightman           Nottingham
Chris Colegate        Nottingham
Matt Towalski          Slough
Terry Miles                Slough
Matthew Myers       Cardiff
Joe Miller                   Cardiff
Thomas Miller          Paisley
Michael Timms          Guildford
Adam Carr                  Sunderland
Adam Brittle             Telford
Neil Hay                       Murrayfield (reserve)
Daniel Good              Whitley Bay (reserve)

Ice Hockey UK is proud to host the second Women's Challenge Tournament in
Hull on 8th - 10th March.

These International Tournaments have been arranged by the International Ice
Hockey Federation for national women's teams who are not playing in the
Olympics.
Coming to Hull in March are the Belgians and Italians as well as the Great
British team.

Ice Hockey UK hope that hockey fans will come along and support their
national team as Belgium and Italy should provide good opposition. The Hull
City Council and Arena have provided us with a great amount of support in
staging this our first international tournament for the Women's teams and
Ice Hockey UK is looking forward to a great weekend.

The game schedule is as follows:

Friday 8th March Italy v Belgium Face-off 17.00
Saturday 9th March GB v Belgium Face-off 17.00
Sunday 10th March GB v Italy Face-off 12.00

Tickets are priced at £3.00 for adults and £1.50 concessions and are
available from Hull Arena 01482 325252

Belfast Giants 2 Great Britain 0

Great Britain´s last warm-up game before the World Championships in Hungary ended in a 2-0 defeat to Belfast Giants at the Odyssey Arena.

The Great Britain squad, which included Wella Bison players, Mike Ellis, Nick Cross, James Manson and Neil Liddiard, were beaten twice in the first period by goals from Terran Sandwith (16:21 ) and Dave Matsos (17:59).

MOM: Belfast - Terran Sandwith, GB - Stephen Murphy

For full match details - click here