Bowns keen to make his mark on big stage

The 20-year-old headed out to Kiev on Friday with the rest of Paul Thompson’s 23-man squad for the World Championship Division One tournament with the aim of clinching at least a bronze medal at the top of the agenda.

Sunday’s opening match against the Ukraine is followed by further games against Kazakhstan, Estonia, Lithuania and Poland.

The netminder, who represented Great Britain at Under-18 and Under-20 level, is one of four players expected to make their senior international competitive debuts alongside fellow youngster Robert Lachowicz, as well as the more experienced Canadian-born duo of Corey Neilson and Jeff Hutchins, both of who have recently qualified to play for GB.

“I just didn’t expect the call to the senior squad this early in my career,” said Bowns.

“It’s given me a little insight into how a major tournament works but the senior squad is a lot more professional.

“When I first walked into the changing room and saw the people sat around it really hit me. I used to watch David Longstaff and Ashley Tait as a youngster and now I’m playing with them. It gives me a big sense of achievement.

Bowns – who has another year remaining on his contract with the Steeldogs in the EPL – arrives in Kiev as one of two reserves, the other being Nathan Craze, behind No 1 choice Stephen Murphy, but is hoping to see some ice time before the end of a week which will hopefully see GB at least repeat their bronze medal triumph from two years ago in Poland.

“The main aim is to get a medal,” he added. “We’ve got a good chance this year and confident we can come back with at least a bronze.”

Bowns, who is studying a Sports Exercise and Health Sciences degree at Doncaster College University Centre, says he is close to tying up a two-way deal with an Elite League club for the 2011-12 season.

“If I would have had an offer as a starter in the Elite League I would definitely have taken it,” he said.

“I want to get in the Elite League in the next two years, but few clubs are interested because I don’t have any experience in the league.”

Head coach Thompson said he was convinced his squad was one of the strongest he had been able to put together for a major tournament.

“We have a really well balanced squad this year,” he said “A good mix of older, established players who are experienced at this level together with an exciting new crop of guys participating in their first or second tournament.”

DEFENCEMAN Mark Thomas has signed for a seventh season with Sheffield Steelers completing a week of good signing news for new player-coach Ryan Finnerty.

Thomas’ signature comes in the wake of fellow GB internationals Ashley Tait, Jonathan Phillips and Jason Hewitt all agreeing to return for the 2011-12 Elite league campaign.