Two Dumfris and Galloway Junior Solway Sharks were delighted to attend a two-day camp as part of a trial for places in the Great Britain Under 16s Ice Hockey team last week.
Lewis Houston and Liam Stenton are both in the Solway Sharks Juniors under 16s team, and were selected for the camp following a previous trial in Nottingham in July. Along with approximately 40 players from all over the UK they are vying for a place in the youngest Great Britain team. GB Under 16s was set up last year as a means of identifying players who may be suitable for GB teams earlier in their playing careers.
The boys both worked hard at the trial, keen to display what they are capable of, and were involved in both on ice sessions and extensive off-ice testing.
Solway head coach Martin Grubb said, “We are all very proud of the players who have been selected to be part of the Great Britain Programme and it is a tremendous honour for the players to be given this opportunity. They all work very hard both on and off the ice and this opportunity is a testament to their ability, commitment and dedication to their sport and also shows the club has a commitment to developing our players to reach their full potential. I know all the players will go the respective camps and give it everything they have to impress the coaches, and I wish them well as the team selection approaches.”
“Although we are only a small club we do very well at turning out elite-level players – as well as Lewis and Liam currently involved at U16s, we also have Duncan Speirs, Connor Henderson and Scott Henderson in the GB programme at U20s, Luke Houston at U18s, and Rebekah Scott and Megan Gourlay are both involved in the GB U18 women’s programme.”
Solway Sharks Juniors are currently recruiting at all age groups. Anyone interested in playing ice hockey should contact Dumfries Ice Bowl on 01387 251300 for details of Learn to Play sessions.
