In all fairness compared to the 90's when I started watching Ice hockey the entire GB team was Canadian. Though I'm not sure the quantity of quality brits have changed, but their speed due to the competitiveness defo has.
I think the only way this country will improve is more dual ice pad rinks in the bigger cities that can support the sport.
Look at Manchester 17,000 down to 1000 in attendance.
You make a fair point about dual ice pads. The thing is that facilities need to be like a pyramid, with lots of small rinks to support development and general access, while arenas and other facilities support the top level. In North America, as well as outdoor rinks (where it's cold enough) you'll see rinks in inflatable bubbles and multi rink facilities (I once played in a place in Montreal with four rinks under the same roof).
John lawless once said that the hockey boom of the 80s was facility led. Any future boom will have to be about building.
On a slightly different topic, Kay burley had another segment on hockey today. This time about the Hershey Bears bear toss. Maybe after Omar Pacha schmoozing her she might be open to doing more on our sport.