GREAT Britain head coach Pete Russell has named Swindon Wildcats netminder Stevie Lyle in his first national-team squad ahead of April’s World Championship in Eindhoven and two international fixtures against Poland.
The squad of 31 will be reduced to a final 23-man team in approximately two weeks.
Britain play back-to-back international games against Poland at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham on Thursday, April 9 and at the Coventry Skydome a night later.
They then travel to Eindhoven for the World Championship (Division 1B) where they face hosts Netherlands, along with Croatia, Estonia, Lithuania and Korea, from April 13-19.
Russelll, himself a former Wildcats head coach, said: “Over the last three or so months we have watched a lot of hockey across the leagues and been in contact with lots of different hockey people in the UK, mainland Europe and USA.
“We have the final 31 and it's the right players and people. They all deserve their place and it's an exciting group to look at.
“The competition for the final 23 hots up now and that can only be good for every player, as well as each team at this important stage of the season.
“People say it's a tough job, yes it is, but it’s a great problem as a coach to have good players to select from.
“As the clock ticks down I get more excited each day till April and Eindhoven.”
Swindon Wildcats will explore the possibility of expanding their seating capacity at the Link Centre for next season.
The club have been close to selling out most of their home fixtures this season and are hoping to work with a new title sponsor to increase the capacity as the club develops.
Any new sponsor would also benefit from game jersey branding, player appearances, as well as rinkside zamboni and programme advertising.
Contact the club's marketing manager Sally Price on 01793 886 857 or email her at marketing@swindonwildcats.com for more details.
Cats' penultimate home fixture against Basingstoke Bison on Saturday (6pm) is close to selling out.
For tickets, call the box office on 01793 886 857.
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