Ice Hockey UK National Development Head Coach Tony Hand says the young talent in the Great Britain programme will be given a chance to shine.

GB Under-16s met for a one-day camp at Ice Sheffield today before the under-18s take to the ice tomorrow.

GB U18s are preparing for next year’s World Championship in Estonia at the end of March, while the under-16s will take part in an international tournament in April.

Hand said: “These are important camps in planning for the upcoming international season.

“The under-16s may not be off to a World Championship but they will still travel abroad next year and that is great to get them ready for when they do reach the under-18 age group.

“There is so much young talent across the junior programme at the moment and myself and the new coaching staff will give them the chance to shine.

“The players can be inspired by GB’s rise up to the top flight of the World Championship.

“The under-16s camp went really well and preparations now turn to tomorrow’s under-18s camp.”

GB U16s head coach Mike Clancy was unable to attend the camp following a family bereavement.

Hand added: “On behalf of Ice Hockey UK, I’d like to send our thoughts and best wishes to Mike, Dave Clancy (GB Women’s netminding coach) and the family at this difficult time.”