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Stewart junior included in GB’s World Championships squad

Liam Stewart (l) in action for the Spokane Chiefs
Image: Liam Stewart (l) in action for the Spokane Chiefs

Liam Stewart has been included in Great Britain’s initial 31-man party for next month's Ice Hockey World Championships in Holland.

The 20-year-old Londoner, who plays his hockey in America for Spokane Chiefs, is the son of rock star Rod Stewart and former model Rachel Hunter.

Stewart is now in his fourth season with the Washington-based Chiefs, being an assistant captain for the last two years, after previously impressing for the Los Angeles Junior Kings U16s.

He is one of eight former Under 20 players looking for their first senior appearance with Josh Batch, James Griffin, Matt Haywood, Tom Murdy, Sam Oakford, Jack Prince and Joey Lewis also included.

Jonathan Boxill, Chris Blight and Sam McCluskey will be aiming for their first Britain cap too while Russell Cowley and Craig Peacock return to the squad, with Matty Davies and David Clarke sidelined through injury.

New GB head coach Pete Russell will cut his squad to 23 ahead of the competition, and is relishing the prospect of working with the players.

Russell said: "Over the last three or so months we have watched a lot of hockey across the leagues and been in contact with lots of different hockey people in the UK, mainland Europe and USA.

"We have the final 31 and it's the right players and people. They all deserve their place and it's an exciting group to look at.

"The competition for the final 23 hots up now and that can only be good for every player, as well as each team at this important stage of the season.

"People say it's a tough job, yes it is, but it's a great problem as a coach to have good players to select from. As the clock ticks down I get more excited each day till April and Eindhoven."

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