All-time Great British legend David Longstaff will be joining the back room staff for the upcoming Division 1A World Championship tournament in Hungary later this week.
Longstaff, a veteran with 101 caps at international level, retired from playing duty earlier this year after nearly 20 years in the GB set-up. He made his first appearance for GB in 1994 and has been a vital addition in major tournaments and world championships since.
He is coming off the back of a league and cup double for the Guildford Flames in the English Premier League and his experience and eye for talent will be greatly used during the tournament.
Longstaff commented to the IHUK website; “I am very proud and honoured to be asked to join the GB staff by Tony Hand. I loved playing for the national side and now to back with GB again is fantastic.”
“We have a great group of guys here and I am looking forward to being involved.”
Head Coach Tony Hand added: “Lobby had a fantastic playing career for GB and he is a terrific addition to our staff.
“He has always been a popular player in the dressing room and his 101 caps at international level prove he has the experience.
“We will use that experience and he will scout other teams at the tournament – something which is very important when you play five games in such a short space of time.”
It is a smart move by Hand and the GB organisation to include Longstaff within the team; in a support capacity. Whilst he will not be lacing up the skates, his eye for the game and ability to read plays will prove vital as GB lock horns with the likes of Italy, South Korea, Kazakhstan and the hosts Hungary during the round robin tournament.
Through the Plexi 