Monday night saw the curtain come down on three remarkable international careers as Ben Bowns, Robert Dowd and Josh Tetlow played their final games for Great Britain.
It was a night of emotion at the Swiss Life Arena in Zurich as GB ended their 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship campaign with a 6-3 defeat by Germany.
Bowns made 36 saves in his last match, Dowd scored GB’s first goal and Tetlow was named Player of the Game.
The headline stats are one thing and show just how much they made an impact on the ice…
- Ben Bowns: 97 Caps, 4 Gold Medals, 2 Silver Medals and 5 top-level World Championship tournaments
- Robert Dowd: 109 Caps, 4 Gold Medals, 3 Silver Medals, 1 Bronze Medal and 5 top-level World Championship tournaments
- Josh Tetlow: 38 caps, 2 Gold Medals and 4 top-level World Championship tournaments
But their contribution off the ice has been just as telling with their experience and professional attitude helping new players settle into the GB set-up.
Great Britain Head Coach, Pete Russell, said: “Bownsy, Dowdy and Tets have represented GB with immense pride throughout their careers.
“On and off the ice their contributions have been huge and all three have been a massive part of our successful times.
“Bownsy has been a brick wall many times, Dowdy has been a pure impact player and scored some huge goals during his career, and Tets defends our goal net like no-one else. They all brought different qualities in a special way.
“Their commitment to GB and their leadership off the ice has been crucial too and helps form the unique bond in the locker room.
“All three will be a loss to the programme and I’d like to thank them for everything they have done to support me and the team over the years.”
Ice Hockey UK CEO, Tim Bratton, said: “On behalf of IHUK I would like to congratulate all three players on their successful international careers.
“They have been remarkable ambassadors on and off the ice for Great Britain and a major part of the programme for a number of years.
“They all helped GB reach the pinnacle of world ice hockey and have provided the nation with some memorable moments. I’d like to wish all three the best of luck in the future.”