I'm rooting for him. If England can get it's own star in Kirk or Brown the next year and drum up some interest in the sport it could be great for the growth of the game. The UK, France and Germany (which is more developed in hockey) are perfect demographics for hockey (wealthy high income sporting culture etc)
I think they will come along in time. Germany is starting to produce some great prospects in recent years. Just need to guys to make the jump to NHL so the young kids from France and England has someone to look up too.