After being promoted for the 2019 Championship, Britain defied odds by avoiding relegation - partly due to the heroics of goaltender Ben Bowns, who will return to the squad for the 2021 edition.

He is joined on Pete Russell's squad by the returning understudy Jackson Whistle and new call-up Jordan Hedley.

In defence, veteran blue liner Mark Richardson misses out, with the 34-year-old not making the cut for the senior team for the first time since 2005.

Despite limited game time this season, Ben O'Connor keeps his spot on the roster and will be joined by debutants David Clements, Jordan Tetlow and Sam Jones - with Britain using the tournament to develop a roster for 2022.

Mark Garside and Paul Swindlehurst return too.

Having scored just nine goals in seven games at the last Championship, Britain has brought some new forwards into the fold.

Mike Hammond, scorer of four of those in 2019, returns with the experienced Robert Dowd and Ben Davies; but there will be debuts for Lewis Hook and Ciaran Long.

Canadian native Brendan Connolly also returns to the British team after making his debut in February 2020 at the Olympic Qualification Tournament.

This came after acquiring eligibility in the UK following seasons played in Belfast, Glasgow and Sheffield.

The British team will be led in Riga by assistant coaches Adam Keefe and Corey Neilson, who will act as co-coaches.

This is due to head coach Russell only returning to Germany a few days ago after leading his German Ice Hockey League2 side Freiburg to the semi-finals, before losing in five games to Bietigheim-Bissingen.

He decided to stay with his family, who he has been separated from due to COVID-19.

"My family have been so supportive throughout my career, but nine months is a long time away from your wife and daughter," said Russell.

"I came home and just spending time with my daughter, it become apparent it would be tough for me to go away again straight away.

"To come back after nine months and leave two days later would be pretty heartless."

Britain arrived in Riga for the Championship on Sunday (May 16) ahead of the start of competition on Friday (May 21).

The Championship is scheduled to finish on June 6.

There is no relegation taking place this year as only the top flight of the World Championship is taking place in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Britain is due to start its campaign on Saturday (May 22) against Russia and are scheduled to later play Slovakia, Denmark, Belarus, Sweden, Czech Republic and Switzerland in Group A.