Great Britain Head Coach, Paul Thompson has today confirmed that he has added Nottingham Panthers player/coach, Corey Neilson to his Great Britain squad ahead of two internationals against Netherlands and the forthcoming World Championships in Kiev, Ukraine.

The thirty-four year old defenceman is now a full British citizen and after receiving confirmation from the International Ice Hockey Federation that he is now eligible to represent the national team, Thompson has moved quickly to add him to an already strong looking squad.

“Corey has been wanting to be a part of our national programme for a while and now he’s obtained his British citizenship, he’s going to be a welcome addition to the squad,” said Thompson. 

“Everyone knows he is a quality defenceman with huge offensive upside and he will, without question, raise the bar on our back end.  Competition for places for the final team to go to the World Championships is greater than at any time I’ve been involved in the programme and that’s exactly what I want.  I want the best players available to us and I want them pushing each other to make the team and then to make sure they stay in it.  I’m looking forward to working with him.

Neilson is expecting the arrival of his British passport in the next week – the final requirement for qualification to take part in the World Championships.  He added,

“I’ve been speaking to Paul about the national team for a while and I’m delighted that he’s asked me to join the squad.  Britain and British hockey have been very good to me and I told him that I would love to be able to help the national programme in any way I can.

“I’m now like the rest of the players in what is a very strong squad – waiting to see if I’m included in the team to play against Netherlands.  I really want to be there and if Paul thinks I can help the team, I’ll give it all I’ve got.  I’d love to make my GB debut in the Nottingham Arena against Netherlands.  It’s my home arena and it would be fantastic to wear a GB jersey there.”

Tickets for both games against the Netherlands are on sale now and are discounted until April 4^th.

If purchased in advance, tickets for both games are priced at £12 adult, £8 concession, under 16’s £5 and £30 family ticket (From 9am on Monday 4^th April tickets go up to £15 adult, £10 concession, under 16’s £7 and £38 for a family ticket.

For the GB Vs Netherlands in Nottingham (9th April): Tickets can be purchased via the 24hr ticket hotline on 08444 124 624, online via the Capital FM Arena website or in person at their Box Office, Bolero Square, The Lace Market, Nottingham

For GB Vs Netherlands in Hull (10th April): Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling the Ticket Hotline: 0845 116 6677 . Tickets will also be on sale at Hull Stingrays remaining home games this season and also from the Great Britain Supporters Club Table at the end of season Play Off Finals in Nottingham.

Tickets will also be available from both venues on the day of the game.

Saturday 9th April 2011 - Team GB Vs Netherlands - Capital FM Arena - Face Off 7.00pm
Sunday 10th April 2011 - Team GB Vs Netherlands - Hull Ice Arena - Face Off 4.00pm