Sirius Academy student Bonner in GB U18 squad
Rapid Solicitors Hull Stingrays forward Lee Bonner has been named in the 22-man Great Britain Under-18s squad for the World Championships (Division 2A) in March.
The tournament, which takes place at the Dumfries Ice Bowl, will be staged from March 24-30 with Croatia, Korea, Lithuania, Netherlands and Romania also in the group.
Hull-born Bonner, only 16, has come through the development system at Hull Arena, also icing for Kingston Crunch, Hull Midget Stingrays, Hull Junior Stingrays and Hull Jets.
The Sirius Academy student, who gained experience with Stingrays in their pre-season matches, received his first taste of Elite League action during the recent 7-1 victory over Edinburgh Capitals at Hull Arena.
He said: “I have played for the England junior sides but this will be my first World Championships. I am excited and looking forward to it.
“I have learned so much already from being with the Stingrays. Clouts [player-coach Sylvain Cloutier] has been really supportive and has offered a lot of encouragement.
“He told me I did well when I got on the ice for the first time against Edinburgh. It was scary at first but I got used to it the more I went out there and thought I did OK – I didn?t get scored on at least! It is just great to be given the chance.”
GB head coach Martin Grubb said: “This is an excellent team and one I am very excited about. The competition for places was very strong and I think we have assembled a very competitive line-up.
“I have named my 22-man team but there are 13 extra names on the long list and they can come in should anyone have to drop out for any reason. The players not in the final team are still very much in my thoughts and I know they can do a job if required.
“I am excited about the tournament and it will be very special as it takes place at my home venue of the Solway Sharks.
“We have a great group of guys and they know what is required of them. The boys will meet again in February for a training camp and then again in March ahead of the tournament.
“We have a couple of challenge matches planned. I am determined to give this side the best possible preparation for such an important tournament.”
GB U18S SQUAD FOR DUMFRIES
Netminders Denis Bell – Milton Keynes Jordan Hedley – Milton Keynes Defence Callum Buglass – Cardiff Jordan Crowe – Ontario Hockey Academy Josh Grieveson – Northwood School Simon Hobbis – Wightlink Adam Jones – Lower Austria Stars Cameron McGiffin – Slough Callum Read – Whitley Bay Harvey Stead – Bracknell Forwards Ivan Antonov – Bracknell Will Attwell – Lake Shore Collegiate Ollie Betteridge – Swindon Glen Billing – Okanagan UK Lee Bonner – Hull Sam Duggan – Bracknell Alex Forbes – Ontario Hockey Academy Lewis Hook – Peterborough Luc Johnson – Okanagan UK Ben Richards – Whitley Bay Michael Stratford – Okanagan UK Alex Whyte – PeterboroughLONG LIST (RESERVES)
Netminders Jordan Boyle – Whitley Bay Bradley Stone – Northwood School Defence Bradley Jenion – Nottingham Nick Oliver – Hill Academy Ben Nethersell – Okanagan UK Cameron Pound – Canadian Ice Hockey Academy Forwards Owen Bradshaw – Cardiff Bailey Chittock – Chelmsford Ben Edmonds – Dundee Owen Griffiths – Cardiff Matthew Headland – Northwood School Macaulay Heywood – Telford Danny Ingoldsby – Basingstoke
