Great Britain’s Youthful Squad Set for the IIHF European Cup of Nations

A New Generation on Ice: Great Britain’s Youthful Squad Set for the IIHF European Cup of Nations

Something special is brewing in British ice hockey this week.
When Team GB hit the ice in Sosnowiec, Poland, for the IIHF European Cup of Nations (6–8 November), it won’t just be another international tournament it’ll be the start of a new era.

For once, this isn’t the familiar, veteran-heavy GB roster we’ve seen grind through tournaments year after year. Instead, Head Coach Pete Russell is unleashing a young, hungry, and fearless squad packed with debutants, bursting with potential, and ready to prove themselves on the international stage.

And make no mistake: this is a big deal.
It’s not often GB get a run of games like this before a major tournament. Friendly fixtures or developmental tournaments have been rare in recent years, which makes the European Cup of Nations a golden opportunity a chance to see how the next generation gels, performs, and begins to carve out their identity as the future of British ice hockey.

A Rare Chance to Build Something New

The four-nation event brings together Poland, Italy, Slovenia, and Great Britain at the Arcelor Mittal Park Ice Rink, running from 6–8 November.
While the competition itself is new, its purpose for GB couldn’t be clearer: development, chemistry, and discovery.

With Fourteen players pulling on the senior jersey for the first time, this is one of the youngest GB teams we’ve seen in decades. It’s not about instant glory it’s about long-term vision, and preparing for what’s to come, particularly with the 2026 World Championship in Zurich already on the horizon.

Ice Hockey UK CEO Henry Staelens summed it up perfectly:

“We have a brilliant core of players that have achieved significant successes for Great Britain over the past few years. Now we must work to find the future stars that are able to complement that group, especially as we work towards 2030 Olympic qualifying.”

That long-term focus is exciting for fans because it’s the first real look at what GB hockey might look like five years from now faster, younger, and built from within.

Meet the New Wave

So, who are the names to watch? There’s talent all over this roster.

Jack Hopkins, the 21-year-old forward from Coventry Blaze, has been on GB’s radar for years. A former GB junior captain with a calm, controlled game, Hopkins is exactly the kind of player who could step into a permanent senior role over the next few seasons.

Bayley Harewood (Cardiff Devils/Bristol Pitbulls) is another fan favourite in the making. powerful, quick, and with that hint of North American swagger from his time at the Canadian International Hockey Academy. Expect him to bring energy every shift.

On the blue line, Liam Steele (Sheffield Steelers/Steeldogs) and Kell Beattie (Belfast Giants/Solway Sharks) headline a defensive unit brimming with potential. Steele, who impressed in Canada’s BCHL, has a smooth skating stride and good vision, while Beattie plays with poise well beyond his 21 years.

In goal, Renny Marr (Swindon Wildcats) adds a steadier hand — one of the few players with significant senior experience. His leadership between the pipes could be crucial as the youngsters settle in.

And don’t overlook the late call-ups: Milique Martelly and Finlay Ulrick, stepping in after injuries to Nathanael Halbert and Kieran Brown. Martelly captained GB’s U20s at the 2024 Worlds — a natural leader and composed defenceman who’s on a clear upward path. Ulrick, with 5 EIHL seasons under his belt with the Storm, Steelers now Panthers could be considered an experienced head among the group despite pulling the senior jersey on for the first time.

From top to bottom, it’s a squad full of stories waiting to be written.

Leadership to Guide the Pack

Every new generation needs its leaders, and GB has that covered.
Ollie Betteridge (Nottingham Panthers) wears the captain’s “C”, with Josh Waller (Guildford Flames) and Joe Hazeldine (Glasgow Clan) serving as alternates.

All three are still young, but seasoned enough to know what it takes to represent GB at the highest level. They’ve been through the grind of World Championship battles and now find themselves mentoring the group that could soon join them on that stage.

“It’s such a huge and special honour to be named captain,” said Betteridge. “We have some great young talent with us this weekend and they’re the future of the national team. We’re excited to see many of them get their first taste of senior international hockey.”

It’s exactly the kind of leadership this squad needs guiding by example, building chemistry, and showing the younger guys what “Team GB hockey” is all about: resilience, unity, and pride.

Excitement Builds for Sosnowiec

GB’s schedule in Poland will test every part of their game:
🆚 Slovenia on Thursday,
🆚 Italy on Friday,
🆚 Poland (the hosts) on Saturday night a loud, fast, and emotional finale.

The games will give these players valuable experience against varied opposition and allow Russell and his staff to evaluate who’s ready to take the next step toward the 2026 Worlds.

Logan Neilson, making his second senior appearance, summed up what’s at stake:

“It’s a great chance for the younger guys to gain experience in new environments — there’s a ton of talent in that group. Some of the older bodies can’t play forever, so you’ve got to integrate the young guys as much as you can.”

That’s what makes this so exciting as a fan. GB aren’t just rolling out a development team for the sake of it they’re giving these players real minutes, in real games, against real international competition. It’s meaningful hockey that could shape the next few years of the national program.

Building Momentum for Zurich and Beyond

As a GB fan, it’s hard not to get excited about what’s coming.
This is a rare chance to see future stars before they become household names to watch them grow, connect, and hopefully grab the opportunity with both hands.

The 2026 World Championship in Zurich is looming on the horizon, and tournaments like this will decide who makes that roster. These three games in Sosnowiec could very well be the proving ground that launches a handful of players into the spotlight.

And for a country that’s worked tirelessly to climb the world rankings, that matters. GB have shown they belong among Europe’s best. Now, they’re making sure they stay there.

Final Thoughts: The Start of Something Special

It’s not every year GB get to experiment, refresh, and test the waters like this. That’s what makes the European Cup of Nations so important and so thrilling to watch unfold.

This week isn’t just about results or standings. It’s about identity, potential, and pride. It’s about seeing who steps up when given the chance, who plays with that extra spark, who seizes the moment, who looks like they belong on the road to Zurich.

As a GB fan, I for one can’t wait to see how these players gel together, how they respond to the challenge, and which of them will rise above the rest.

Because this weekend in Poland isn’t just another tournament.
It’s the beginning of the next generation and the start of something truly special for Great Britain hockey.

GB Schedule – IIHF European Cup of Nations (Sosnowiec, Poland):
📅 Thursday, 6 November: Slovenia vs Great Britain (16:00 local / 15:00 GMT)
📅 Friday, 7 November: Great Britain vs Italy (16:00 local / 15:00 GMT)
📅 Saturday, 8 November: Poland vs Great Britain (19:45 local / 18:45 GMT)