Greg Owen announces his retirement from the ice

Great Britain and Basingstoke Bison forward Greg Owen today announced his retirement from ice hockey.

The 31-year-old began his career with Oxford City Stars and iced for Bracknell Bees in both the Superleague and BNL.

He won the BNL league and cup double with the Bees in 2004-05, two years after winning the EPL play-offs with Milton Keynes Lightning.

Owen spent three years with Basingstoke Bison in the Elite League, followed by a season in France with Briancon.

Returned to the EIHL with Coventry Blaze, he won the 2009-10 league title with the Midlands side before spending his final season back with Basingstoke scoring 67 points in 52 matches.

The forward represented Great Britain Under-18s and Under-20s and his final match for GB against Korea on Saturday will be his 41st senior camp, having missed a handful of World Championship tournaments through injury.

He has won a bronze and silver medal with the national side at World Championship tournaments.

Owen commenting on his decision: “Retirement seems like too extreme a word to use but, after months of deliberation, it’s time for me to officially announce the end of my playing career.

“Hockey has been such a big part of my life and forming who I am since I was a boy. This decision has not been taken lightly.

“It wouldn’t feel right to just disappear in a cloud of ninja dust, without an official farewell.

“Every player must make this decision at some point and that comes at different times for different people.

“Some might say I’m too young and that I still have some good years in front of me, but for me it feels like a natural end to what I would consider to be a very fruitful and prestigious career.

“I have never been the most talented player, the most skillful, the fastest, or strongest, but I have built my career and prided myself on consistency, work ethic, tenacity, and a never-say-die attitude.

“My daily aim has always been to make my team-mates better, and to lead by example, not with words, but with actions. I can only hope that I’ve had the slightest influence on my piers.

“Hockey has taken me to some amazing places, has introduced me to so many talented and inspiring people, and opened so many doors along the way.

“It has taught me the importance of team work and just how much can be achieved when a group of people come together and work for a common goal.

“It has shown me the value in strong leadership, friendship and sacrifice. I can only give my sincerest thanks to those that have been part of my playing career; players, coaches, volunteers and supporters.

“Truly, thank you. Most of all though, none of this would have been at all possible if my parents had not spent tireless hours ferrying me to and from rinks at stupid hours to fulfill a dream.

“They saw something in me and they provided every opportunity for me to pursue my dream of playing professional hockey.

“Now that I’m a parent I now know the full extent of the sacrifice they have made, going beyond the call of duty never really knowing what it would amount to, but believing in me.

“Every step of the way my mum, dad and sister have encouraged me, picked me up when I’ve failed and been the foundation from which I’ve achieved my dream.

“Now my support crew has been extended to my amazing wife and three beautiful daughters, who love me and support me whatever happens on and off the ice.

“They too have gone beyond the call of duty to celebrate the successes and feel the pain and disappointment of the failures.

“I’ve gained so much valuable experience playing this game and have honed my craft in Canada, the Superleague, English Premier League, British National League, Elite League, Ligue Magness (France), not to mention the numerous times I’ve pulled on a GB jersey and represented my country.

“I can only hope that I can put some of the experience I’ve gained back into the sport, so that generations to come can have the same or potentially better opportunities than I’ve had.

“I now look forward to developing my career as a web designer and have new goals and ambitions that I can now fully set my sights on.

“My family and I can enjoy the weekends and I can give them back some of the time that they’ve had to be without their dad.”

Great Britain head coach, Tony Hand, added: “Greg has had a tremendous career and one he should be very proud of.

“He has been one of the leading GB players throughout his career and will be sadly missed.

“He has been a pleasure to coach for Great Britain and I want to wish him all the best in his future career.”

Former GB and Coventry coach Paul Thompson, who has recently taken over as coach of Swedish side Troja-Ljungby, said: “You will not meet or coach a more genuine person than Greg.

“He has had a great career domestically and with the national team, and has been a dominant British player over his playing days.

“I enjoyed coaching Greg and winning a championship with him, and wish him and his family all the best in his retirement. A great player and pro.”