Many congratulations to Saffron Lane (Allen) who has been appointed an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
The 30-year-old, who won 52 caps for Great Britain, made her debut in 2011 at the IIHF Women’s World Championship Division II in Caen.
Lane represented GB at nine World Championship tournaments and three Olympic Qualifiers, scoring 18 goals and contributing 20 assists for 38 points in her 12 years as a GB player.
Her career is a remarkable one after she suffered a spinal injury at the Olympic Qualifying tournament in China in November 2012.
Early indications were that she may not walk again but she returned to the ice within 14 months to continue her outstanding career.
She was named Alternate Captain in 2016 and became GB captain in 2019.
In total, Lane won five silver medals and three bronze before retiring from international ice hockey after leading GB to gold and promotion at the 2022 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division II Group A in Spain.
She also won 15 caps for Great Britain at under-18 level, scoring 11 goals and contributing 11 assists for 22 points.
Ice Hockey UK CEO, Henry Staelens, said: “On behalf of IHUK, I would like to congratulate Saffron on her MBE.
“Saffron has been a trailblazer for ice hockey in the UK and her commitment to GB – and the sport in general – always shone through.
“Her leadership, work ethic and desire set a huge example to the younger generation made her one of the most important players in GB history.
“She led GB on the ice and off it and showed her peers what it takes to be at the top of your game, having to overcome challenges during her distinguished career.”
