Juniors head off on international duty
Two Romford junior players are proudly set to represent England under-15s this weekend.
Forward Brandon Ayliffe, a Brittons Academy pupil, and Callum Wells, who attends the Chafford School, in Rainham, are set to compete in an international tournament in Amiens, France.
Brandon’s mum Tanya said: “Brandon is very excited and proud to be selected to play for England.
“He’s so chuffed because we had to pull him out of the under-13s and he never got a trial for the under-14s so he has had to work so hard for his slot.”
Romford junior coach Alan Blyth added: “I’m proud to coach both of them.
“Brandon is not only an assistant captain, but he leads by example. He’s hardworking and determined. He never misses training and he’s getting better every week.
“Callum is a key member of the team. He’s a big physical presence and a real team player who always sticks up for his teammates.”
Both boys represent Romford Hornets (under-16s) and Buccaneers (under-18s) as well as the South East Conference under-15s.
Brittons Academy have agreed to help sponsor Ayliffe on the trip to France and the pair will also represent England in another tournament in Switzerland in the spring.
n England’s under 13s were eliminated in the second round of the World Pee-Wee Championships in Quebec, Canada.
The team, which includes Romford junior utility player Michael Power, eased through the first round with a 4-1 victory against Quebec Centre Champlain.
But they fell to a 6-0 defeat against Wilkes Barre Junior Scranton Knights and coach Ben Pitchley, the former Romford Raiders defenceman, said: “[It’s] always tough to lose, but the players played their hearts out, being spurred on by some fantastic England supporters in the stands.
“[We’re] out of the tournament, but [there’s] still a lot of hockey to play, as we have three exhibition games.”
The England squad have already played one exhibition game on an outdoor rink against Austria, which they won 9-8, and drew 4-4 draw against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
They were edged out by German side Baden Wurttemberg (6-5) and Academic St Louis Arsenal (5-4).
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