Solway Sharks in action for Team GB at Under 20s Men’s World Ice Hockey Championships in Dumfries

Members of the Solway Sharks are helping Team GB in World Championship action at the Ice Bowl this week.

Sharks head coach Martin Grubb is leading the U20s Great Britain side in International Ice Hockey Federation Division II Group A games at the Dumfries venue.

It is estimated the tournament, the latest in a long line of championships held at the Ice Bowl, will generate at least £200,000 for the local economy.

Andy French, the general secretary of Ice Hockey UK – who are managing the World Championship in partnership with the council and the International Ice Hockey Federation – said: “Ice Hockey UK are delighted to continue our partnership with Dumfries and Galloway Council and the staff of the Ice Bowl to bring our U20s national team to south west Scotland.

“Ice hockey development is very strong and highly regarded in this part of the country and it is terrific to bring this exciting, world ranking tournament to Dumfries again, 10 years after Great Britain U20s played here and the Stanley Cup was put on show in the town.”

Sharks player Kell Beattie helped Team GB on their way to an opening day victory against the Netherlands on Monday.

With just 110 seconds played Beattie’s shot from the blue line gave the team the lead and helped set the tone for the game as Britain went 3-0 up in the first.

Team GB went on to win their opener 4-1 before losing to Lithuania on Tuesday in a nail-biter which went to overtime.

Great Britain were beaten 5-4 in an enthralling game where Jack Hopkins and Oli Endicott both scored twice as GB moved onto four points from two matches to sit in second place in the group standings.

Netminder Ben Norton was named GB’s player of the game after facing 52 shots and making a number