NEWS: Sully excited by GB opportunity

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Braehead Clan defenceman Zach Sullivan says it’s a honour to be picked for the Great Britain team for their two games with Norway next week.

The 22-year-old received his first call-up to the national team by head coach Pete Russell as they take on Norway next Tuesday and Wednesday.

And Sullivan is hoping to impress enough as he eyes up the World Championships in Belfast at the end of the season.

“It’s a real honour, especially looking at some of the names included on that list of well respected Elite League players, it’s an exciting prospect,” he said.

“You always want to make the GB team, but being on home ice this year in Belfast makes it that bit more special.

“I’ve been working to this all my career so far and hopefully I can continue to impress enough that I’m considered for selection for the World Championships at the end of the year.

“You would have the crowd behind you and it will be even more awesome for the players that are picked.”

Russell picked a total of 43 players for the two games, splitting the squad to give players a chance over the matches at Nottingham’s National Ice Centre and at Cardiff’s Ice Arena Wales.

Sullivan and team-mate Craig Peacock will be part of Tuesday’s game in Nottingham while Matt Haywood gets a chance in Wednesday’s match in South Wales.

And ‘Sully’ says it will make a nice change to play with some of the players he’s usually trying to outsmart as opponents in the Elite League.

He added: “Having Peaks in the same squad means I have someone who can keep me right about what’s expected and it’s a helper for me that he’ll be there to guide me.

“Some of the guys that are in the squad are players I’ve played against so it will be nice to be on the same team as them for a change.

“Norway are one of the top nations in the world so it will be a huge challenge that I’m looking forward to.

“Everyone will be up for it and we’ll give it our best shot. I’m sure it will be a good game.”