Telford Tigers' GB stars off to the worlds

Head coach Tom Watkins, defenceman Jonathan Weaver and netminder Thomas Murdy have been named in the GB party that travels to Zagreb.

Watkins will work with Pete Russell as assistant coach, while Weaver and Murdy make up two-thirds of the English Premier League contingent.

Tigers general manager Paul Thomason is looking forward to seeing Telford represented in the tournament.

He said: "I am so proud of both Jonathan and Thomas, as well as Tom, for their achievements. To represent your country is a massive honour and I know they will do us proud.

"Jonathan is incredibly experienced having played for Great Britain since 1997, while Tom has been rightly recognised as one the game's best young coaches.

"Thomas is still young, but he is learning all the time. The fact that he's in the GB World Championships squad for the second year running speaks volumes for his ability."

Weaver was on the score-sheet during both warm-up games against Poland at the weekend as GB made their final preparations.

Thomason added: "Jonathan has proved all year that he is a key player in any situation. If anyone can put in that extra few per cent to win important games, it is him.

"I wasn't surprised at all to see him score in both matches. He spent much of his career as a forward, so he's got a very good eye for goal."

GB will face hosts Croatia, as well as Estonia, Lithuania, Romania and Ukraine from April 17 to 23 in the six-team Division 1B tournament.

Success would see them reach Division 1A – just one level below the likes of Canada, Russia and the United States.

Thomason said: "I have every faith that the boys can bring home promotion."