Skien 2024: Get to Know Great Britain 

The 2024 World Para Ice Hockey Championships B-Pool will take place from 15-20 April in Skien, Norway. It will be the 10th edition of World Championships B-Pool and first time Norway will play host. Six teams will compete, with the top two finishers advancing to the A-Pool for next season and the bottom finisher being relegated to the C-Pool. Follow along as we break down what you need to know about each team. 

Background

Entering the tournament as the fifth seed, Great Britain will aim for a top-two finish as it tries to get back to the A-Pool for the first time in 20 years. Great Britain was fifth at the last B-Pool event in 2023, led by Tyler Christopher (7 points) and Bryan Hackworth (86 saves). This year’s squad will include five women who previously helped Great Britain to fourth place finish at the Women’s World Challenge. 

World Championships History

2023: 5th place (B-Pool)
2022: Gold (C-Pool)
2019: 6th place (B-Pool)
2017: 4th place (B-Pool)
2015: 5th place (B-Pool)
2013: Bronze (B-Pool)
2009: 4th place (B-Pool)
2004: 5th place (A-Pool)

Athlete to Watch

In 2009, Tyler Christopher was injured while serving in the military in Afghanistan and lost both of his legs above the knee. He has now been playing for Great Britain’s national team for more than a decade and is their returning leading scorer. 

Coaching Duties

Peggy Assinck is well known in the Para ice hockey world for playing for Canada’s women’s national team for nearly 20 years and starting a women’s programme in Great Britain. Now, she’ll be coaching Great Britain’s national open team on the world stage.

Matchup to Watch: Great Britain vs. Kazakhstan on 19 April 

This game will pit the No. 4 seed against the No. 5 seed in a matchup that could end up determining the final spot on the podium. When the two teams faced each other last in 2023, Kazakhstan won 4-3 in a nail-biter.