Former Great Britain star Tony Hand has been inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame.
The 49-year-old will receive the Richard ‘Bibi’ Torriani Award – for an outstanding career by a player from a non-top hockey nation – as part of the 2017 inductees.
Hand scored over 4,250 points during an illustrious 34-year playing career and became the first British-raised player to be drafted by an NHL side when he was picked up by Edmonton Oilers in 1986.
In a two-year stint as GB Head Coach he led the national side to the final qualifying stages for the Olympic Games in Sochi in 2014.
Hand said: “I’m honoured to receive this award, it really is fantastic. I would like to thank my family, all the coaches I have worked with and all my former teammates.
“I would also like to thank the IIHF committee for this nomination, it is something very special.
“This is something I will really cherish and I feel proud to be inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame.”
Ice Hockey UK chairman, Richard Grieveson, added: “This is a special moment for Tony and one he fully deserves. He is a legend in UK ice hockey and has done so much for the sport in this country.
“This shows the respect Tony has worldwide and I would like to congratulate him on his award.”
The 2017 IIHF Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place in Cologne, Germany, on 21st May – the final day of this year’s World Championship tournament.
