Two GB junior women camps ‘bode well for the future’

Great Britain Women recently held two camps at Ice Sheffield with the under-18s and under-16s taking to the ice on successive evenings.

GB Under-18 Women will travel to Katowice in Poland in January 2018 for their World Championship Division 1 Group B tournament and the coaching staff are close to naming a roster of players who will compete for a place in the final squad.

GB Women’s head coach, Cheryl Smith, said: “The under-18 camp was excellent and the coaches are now discussing who will be coming to the next sessions ahead of the World Championship.

“There are some seriously talented players out there and it won’t be an easy decision.

“It bodes well for the future that we are not just seeing the talent at under-18 level, but in the under-16 age group as well.”

The U18 training session was preceded by the under-16 trials and U16 coach Jayne McClelland was full of praise for what she saw on the ice.

“We have some seriously talented young players in the GB women’s programme,” said McClelland.

“Even some as young as 11 are showing massive signs that they will be in the GB programme for years to come.

“It was a very positive trial and we certainly have some bright prospects.”