JUNIOR FLAMES SELECTED FOR TEAM GB

Swindon Skater Hockey Club are proud to announce that two of their Junior Flames team members, defence-man James Bayliss and forward Craig Davies have been selected for the 2008 BISHA GB National U/18’s squad. 

The squad, comprising of the top 30 GB players in the junior age group, will train monthly in preparation for the 2008 IISHF European Junior Championships, which are to be held in Krefeld, Germany in August where Team GB will be facing off against the national sides from Switzerland, Denmark, Austria, The Netherlands and, last year’s European Champions, Germany.  

In a change to the Team GB selection policy the squad has been named early and will train together on a regular basis to ensure that they are in the best possible position to mount a serious challenge against the teams from Switzerland and Germany, who are widely considered to be the elite teams in Europe. The team that will ultimately travel to Krefeld will be made up of approximately 18 players chosen from the squad, however, all Team GB squad members will be given the opportunity to earn GB caps in tournaments prior to the European Championships.

Club Chairman, Les Satchell, said “ James and Craig’s selection to the GB squad is a tremendous achievement for both boys and is a testament to their hard work, dedication and skill. The inclusion of two of our Junior team members in Team GB illustrates the strength and depth at the club and is a measure of the success of the ongoing development programme being run throughout Swindon Skater Hockey Club. As a club we are very proud of their achievement and wish both James and Craig the best of luck in their quest to secure a slot in the team that will travel to Germany. “ 

Skater Hockey is a fast, exciting team sport, similar to ice hockey, played in indoors sports halls using inline skates and a ball rather than a puck. Swindon Skater Hockey Club trains on Saturdays (or Friday evenings for the Juniors) at the Croft Recreation Centre where all new players, regardless of experience or ability, are always welcome. For those that wish to give it a try for the first time, the club runs a beginners session from 12.00hrs – 13.00hrs on Saturdays. The club can provide some loan equipment (helmets, gloves and sticks) for novices, on the day, but please bring your own skates.

For further information please contact The Croft on 01793 526622 or visit www.swindonflames.com

James & Craig celebrate their call-up