Five fly off to Canada with England squad
Five former Romford Ice Hockey Club youngsters jet out to Canada to compete for England under-13s at the World Pee-Wee Championships next week.
Royal Liberty pupils Brad Windebank, Ewan Hill and Daniel Hitchings are joined by Marshalls Park’s Danny Jackson and Tommy Huggett (Chafford) and all are excited by the challenge.
Goalie Windebank, who now plays for Chelmsford, appeared in the tournament last year and said: “I’m really looking forward to returning to Quebec as I had such a great time last year.
“We didn’t win the tournament, but I got to play in the Pepsi Colisee a few times, which was great. It is a lot of hard work during the days, but we get some time to go out and have some fun playing pond hockey in the evenings.
“Hopefully we can go a couple of rounds further this year and win the whole thing.”
Invicta forward Hill added: “I am so excited and I can’t believe I will actually get to play hockey in Canada.”
And Steve Hitchings, dad of Guildford defenceman Daniel, said: “Daniel is very excited to be travelling to Quebec to represent his country and proud to again be playing with four of his former Romford team-mates, who have all come a long way since their early days at Rom valley Way.”
Guildford forward Huggett said: “I am very proud to be going to Canada to represent my country. It’s a real honour and I will be giving my all to help the team.”
And Sue Jackson, mum of Chelmsford forward Danny, added: “Danny is so excited about his trip to Canada and very proud to be representing England under-13s.”
Some of ice hockey’s biggest names have played in the tournament down the years and England begin their International C division campaign against San Diego Junior Gulls next Friday.
Parent Paul Windebank said: “It’s such a great achievement to have five boys from the former Romford junior system represent England this year. The families are going to love it too.
“Brad is looking forward to getting a second crack after losing out in the quarter-finals 12 months ago. Not many kids get the chance to play twice in this amazing tournament so I’m very proud of what he has achieved.”
Catherine Hill added: “We are so very proud of Ewan and all his team-mates and what they have achieved. To watch them play for their country will be an amazing moment for all of us.”
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