ICE HOCKEY: Rhodes off to Quebec

Next week Rhodes Mitchell-King, a pupil at Lawrence Sheriff School, will meet up with his ice hockey team mates at Heathrow Airport for the England Under 13 trip to Quebec, Canada, to take part in the largest tournament in the world for this age group.

Rhodes trialled for the team against players from all over England at Sheffield last August and since the announcement of his selection has attended two 2-day camps, monthly training sessions, and followed an off ice fitness programme in order to be ready for the trip.

During the 13 days away the team will play 10-12 games including those in the tournament, exhibition games and an outdoor game. The players stay with local families and will take part in many local activities including pond hockey. As Quebec is a French speaking province the boys will also be able to compensate for the days off school by practicising their French language skills!

Rhodes plays his club ice hockey at Coventry Blaze Ice Hockey Academy and is assistant captain of the Under 13 A team. He also plays up for the Under 15 team where his brother, Austin, is captain.

As well as being selected for England this season, Rhodes has recently gained selection to the Midlands Under 13 team which has a tournament near Paris over the Easter weekend, in preparation for the UK Inter-Conference competition in May, against teams from Scotland, North, South West & South East.

Updates on the England U13 Ice Hockey team’s progress in Quebec may be found on Twitter account @EngU13IHT.