Defenceman Jake Hayward has been called up to the Great Britain squad for this week’s IIHF European Cup of Nations in Poland to replace Liam Stenton who has had to pull out because of injury.
Hayward plays for NIHL side Milton Keynes Lightning and is on a two-way deal this season with Coventry Blaze (EIHL).
The 20-year-old spent the early part of his junior career in Coventry followed by three seasons at the Ontario Hockey Academy in Canada.
For the past two seasons he’s played in the USPHL in North America with Florida Jr Blades in 2024/25 and last year with Red River Spartans.
Hayward won silver medals with both GB U18s and GB U20s and last season he represented Great Britain at the European Cup of Nations in Edinburgh.
GB depart for Sosnowiec today ahead of the four-team tournament which also involves Italy, Ukraine and hosts Poland.
Pete Russell’s side get their tournament under way on Thursday against Italy at the Arcelor Mittal Park ice rink.
Great Britain schedule
Thursday 5th November: Great Britain v Italy 16:00 (15:00 GMT)
Friday 6th November: Ukraine v Great Britain 16:00 (15:00 GMT)
Saturday 7th November: Poland v Great Britain 14:45 (13:45 GMT)
