Rotherham's GB legend Ben Bowns steps down
THE best British ice hockey goaltender of all time – Swinton's record-breaking Ben Bowns – has retired from international duty.
After collecting 94 caps for Great Britain, the 35-year-old netminder played his last game, against Germany at the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship at the Swiss Life Arena in Zurich.
He is GB’s most-capped custodian of all-time – a feat he achieved when passing Stevie Lyle for his 83rd appearance in the 2-1 overtime victory against hosts Romania in the World Championship Division 1 Group A in 2025.
The Cardiff Devils goalie said: "It has been a lot of fun – and a long, long time.
"The main reason is so I can spend some more time at home with my daughter.
"She is at an awesome age right now and I want to be around for her a bit more now.
"As soon as you have a child it changes your perspective on life and your priorities."
He described the Elite League in Britain as a "long slog" with five weeks added due to GB commitments.
But he stressed he was proud to have represented his nation so many times.
He said it had always been a goal to be the best homegrown goalie of all time.
While some may disagree he said: "I have the most caps, the most appearances, the most starts. It is really special.
"It has been a dream come true.”
The six-foot-two-inch Bowns started his GB career as an Under 18 and has been described as "a rock" in the Great Britain goal since making his debut in the Olympic Qualifiers in Riga in early 2013 and has 93 GB caps.
Bowns has won four gold medals and two silvers and has played at the top level of the World Championship on five occasions.
In Division 1 Group A tournament in Nottingham in 2023, he was named the tournament’s best netminder as he posted a save percentage of 93.5 per cent and 1.39 goals-against.
Last season, he had a 93.19 per cent save rate in the EIHL, after facing 852 shots.
His Cardiff team beat Sheffield Steelers in the final game of the campaign to become Play Off champions.