Former Great Britain netminder Gary Brine is leading a trio of former goalies who are currently identifying the best young talent in the UK.
The 57-year-old, who iced for Streatham Redskins, Slough Jets, Medway Bears and Bracknell Bees in a 15-year domestic playing career, was appointed Head of the GB Goaltending Development Programme in 2018.
Brine, who is based in the south, works with Midlands-based Dave Clancy and Scotland-based John Russell to ensure their scouting network covers the whole of the UK.
“We work closely with Euan King to make sure we are developing goalies in order for us to have the next Ben Bowns,” said Brine.
“The programme is designed to give every young goalie a chance to be seen. If they are at a standard that enables them to compete at international level, we will find them.
“Being a good club goalie isn’t enough. We also want good characters, mental resolve, fitness, accountable social behaviour and good academics on show.”
There are currently 16 goalies in the GB programme and a dozen more as part of an extensive watch-list and Brine explains the process for being selected to be play for the national team.
“We have a co-ordinated system of identification and selection,” said Brine. “Myself, Dave and John attend games and practices.
“We will invite goalies we feel fit our GB criteria to three interim assessment camps before next year’s trials.
“Following assessment camps, goalies will be invited to main camps in the summer of 2022 and beyond – and hopefully start their journey.
“Once in the programme, the goalies will receive specialist advice and coaching – and also be invited to a camp oversees to test their resolve and travel ability.”
Photo: Dean Woolley.