Defenceman Josh Tetlow says telling his parents was one of the most special moments of his call-up to the Great Britain squad for next month’s World Championship in Latvia.
The 23-year-old, who made 10 appearances for GB Under-20s between 2017 and 2018, was yesterday named in a full GB squad for the first time.
GB will face Russia, Slovakia, Denmark, Belarus, Sweden, Czech Republic and Switzerland between 22nd May and 1st June at the Group A venue of the Olympic Sports Centre in Riga.
The Nottingham Panthers defenceman said: “I was really excited and over the moon. Telling my parents made me really proud and they were really happy for me.
“It’s up there as one of my biggest goals. I watched GB go through to the top tier and thought ‘that’s where I want to be’.
“It has been a personal goal of mine, so to finally be there is a dream come true. I’m really excited.
“I think it will be a great learning experience going with the veteran players who have been there before and obviously the coaches – and playing against guys who are at the top of their craft.”
Tetlow revealed he has already sought advice from GB netminder Ben Bowns, who is his Panthers team-mate during the Elite Series.
“I have been speaking with Bownsy a fair bit and he has been giving me some pointers,” said Tetlow.
“By the sounds of it the speed will be a whole new level for me and I think that will be the main thing.
“Hopefully I can adapt and try and pick up as much as I can when I am there.”