➡️ Monday Review: Moving on up
GB return to top table in world ice hockey
They only went and done it again!
Great Britain sealed their place in the top flight of the IIHF World Championships in emphatic style after shutting out Poland and getting the point - or points - they needed to make the step up.
It was a remarkable achievement for Pete Russell’s group in a week where they’ve gone through the week unbeaten despite being taken all the way in earlier games, prevailing in overtime or penalty shots.
This was their time to shine and they didn’t waste the opportunity, particularly Ben Bowns in goal, who made 40 saves to preserve his net.
For Russell - his 75th game in charge of the men’s team - it was a perfect ending in a season that didn’t quite deliver domestically for the Scot, but he can be proud of what his national team ultimately achieved.
He summed it up perfectly on social media afterwards when he wrote: “Gold medals aren't really made of gold. They're made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts.”
They had to fight for it though and it took until 17 minutes for GB to break the deadlock as Josh Tetlow set up Robert Dowd who saw his shot saved, before Guildford’s Josh Waller buried the rebound.
Joe Hazeldine did the work for the second goal nearly midway through the second period when got away from his man and fired the shot on goal. The effort was saved, but luckily, Dowd, who has had a great week in Romania took care of the rebound.
The third goal followed a short while after as Ollie Betteridge took a pass from Waller who spun in the slot and fired home.
From there, GB fans were starting to think about the trip to Switzerland, which was confirmed at the sounding of the final buzzer.
It ended another glorious week for the Brits in international hockey as they can look forward to possible dates with Canada, Finland and USA et al.
With so many top performers and performances, it’s a testament to the work that’s gone in behind the scenes which is why GB are celebrating again.
Exciting times are ahead once again for the national side on the back of this latest success and we’ve got a year to wait.
📊 FINAL DIVISION 1A TABLE
📺 HIGHLIGHTS
Saturday - GB vs Poland
🇬🇧 GB RESULTS AT THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 📆
Sunday 27th April - Ukraine 3 Great Britain 4 (Penalty Shots)
Monday 28th April - Great Britain 2 Romania 1 (After Overtime)
Wednesday 30th April - Great Britain 5 Japan 4 (After Overtime)
Thursday 1st May - Italy 1 Great Britain 5
Saturday 3rd May - Great Britain 3 Poland 0
🕰️ All face offs at British Standard Time
📺 All games will be shown live on Premier Sports
📢 AN ANNOUNCEMENT
As we head into the off-season, Elite will reduce from three times a week to twice a week - delivering all the news you may have missed on Mondays and Thursdays.
But aside from that, we’re also delighted to bring you - starting this Thursday - the Elite podcast - available from Apple podcasts and Spotify.
Every week, we’ll chat with a well known face within the game and get insights and thoughts from them as we get some stories about the game we all love.
Starting this week, we’re joined by the man you love to hate, Sheffield Steelers’ media manager David Simms about his love for the club, his social media persona and reveals what he would do to improve the Elite League.
Love him or loathe him, it’s one not to be missed.
In the meantime, check out this preview episode to get a taste of what’s to come and enjoy.
🤝 ON THE MOVE
Time to take a look at who’s moving - or not as the case may be - with clubs announcing additions to their 2025/26 rosters.
We’ll update this in every edition over the summer
🇭🇺 He’s had a taste for it, but Nottingham Panthers’ latest returnee is Hungary for more. Zsombor Garát is back - Nottingham Panthers website
🔥 After three goals and great displays in the World Championships, Guildford Flames confirmed the return of Josh Waller for the new season - Guildford Flames website
🔴 Cardiff Devils brought their first new face into the team for the new season with the announcement of defenceman Tyson Helgesen, who joins from Ferencvarosi in Hungary - Cardiff Devils website
🏟️ AROUND THE RINKS
Let’s take a look at what else has been going on up and down the country as we go around the rinks
🏆 Belfast Giants were invited to Stormont last week by Northern Ireland’s Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons after winning the Challenge Cup and the league championship - Belfast Giants on X
😁 Former Coventry Blaze forward JD Dudek is returning to the Skydome to be part of David Clements Testimonial in a couple of weeks - David Clements Testimonial on X
👕 …and not only that, the jerseys were revealed for the big night coming up soon. And they’re lovely - David Clements Testimonial website
⚽️ Sheffield Steelers defenceman Kevin Tansey left the protective gear and skates at home, donning football boots and shinguards for a charity game at Hillsborough, the home of Sheffield Wednesday - Sheffield Steelers on X
🔵🟡 Fife Flyers celebrated the 40th anniversary of their British Championship success in 1985 as they brought the players over for a special night in Kirkcaldy to mark the occasion as well as the opening of an exhibition to commemorate it as well - Allan Crow for Fife Today (website)
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