Under-16 Men’s Head Coach Jamie Elson says the juniors who represented Great Britain at the prestigious Watersley Ice Hockey Tournament earlier this month have an exciting future.
After three victories in five group matches, GB finished in third position with a final-day 4-2 victory over German side Krefeld Penguins in the placement game.
Full Results
Friday 2nd May
Okanagan U16s 1-2 Great Britain
Great Britain 0-1 Vikings U16s
Saturday 3rd May
Belgium U16s 1-4 Great Britain
Great Britain 2-3 Netherlands U16s
Sunday 4th May
Krefeld Penguins 0-5 Great Britain
Third-placed game: Great Britain 4-2 Krefeld Penguins
Elson said: “We were really pleased with the team’s performances in the Netherlands and the group of players we assembled for this tournament.
“Over the whole process, the staff have been really impressed by the talent pool we have in these 2009-10 birth years and also the depth, something we don’t always see as much. We feel this is a standout year group with huge potential for the future at under-18 and under-20.
“The week away really meant we could get to know these players and what they are capable of as a group. Taking 24 athletes athletes on the trip – the biggest group we have ever travelled with – was a great opportunity to see more players perform at this level and be able to assess them in an environment like this.
“As a staff, we threw a lot at this group and were pretty demanding on them during our time together. They really bought into the message and the culture we are trying to build at this important first age group. That was exciting to see.
“We have some really impressive athletes in this group who already have great habits as young future professionals.
“On the ice, the team really took on-board the messages about our style of play and identity as a GB team. We wanted them to understand how they need to play at an international level to have success in tournaments.
“They are a seriously hard-working group with really high compete levels in all three zones of the ice. We had a very high skill-set, but it was great to see everyone taking on their roles and responsibilities and doing what was needed from them for team success.
“Overall, it was a great marker of what to expect from this year’s group and we have some exciting talent that we need to work closely with now over the next couple of years.”
