Welshman Jonathan On Great Britain Ice Hockey Hopes

Welshman Jonathan Phillips says Great Britain’s pre-World Championship ice hockey training camp has got off to a great start.

The 28-man squad reported to the Skydome this week and GB are preparing for two international matches against Lithuania this weekend.

GB host Lithuania in Milton Keynes on Saturday (7pm) and at Coventry’s Skydome Arena the next evening (5.15pm).

After those fixtures head coach Peter Russell will cut his 28-man squad to the 23 who will represent Britain at the World Championship in Budapest, Hungary from April 22 to April 28.

Goalie Ben Bowns in action for Great Britain. Pic: Dean Woolley.

Cardiff-Born Phillips, who started his playing career with home city club Devils, now plays for Sheffield Steelers and said: “The squad is buzzing and we have already had some great sessions.

“The GB squad gets few chances to meet throughout the season and this training camp is a vital part of our preparations.

“It’s a quality roster and the coaching staff will have some tough decisions to name the final 23 players.

“Competition for places is intense as everyone wants to be on the plane to Budapest next week.”

GB meet Lithuania twice this weekend and although Britain have won the past two meetings between the two sides, Lithuania had won the previous two.

“We seem to have some great battles with Lithuania,” said Phillips. “Okay, we’ve had the upper hand in the last two years, but for a couple of seasons they had our number.

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