Ice Hockey UK official Andy Dalton has just returned from a prestigious IIHF high-performance camp.

The camp, which took place in Magglingen in Switzerland, was designed for the high-performing IIIHF officials and Dalton was one of 30 invited to attend.

Dalton has an A-Licence from the IIHF – the only UK linesman to be ranked in this category – and this means he can officiate in the top-level World Championship tournaments and at Olympic tournaments and Olympic qualifying tournaments, if selected.

The four-day course was run by the IIHF, with input from NHL officiating managers.

Dalton said: “It was a great honour to be recognised by the IIHF to attend this camp.

“I certainly took a lot from it and got to meet some very experienced officials.

“We underwent classroom sessions, team building, working a hockey tournament and a full day of rigorous physical testing.”

IHUK referee-in-chief, Simon Kirkham, said: “It shows how highly the IIHF rate Andy by inviting him to the camp.

“He is one of our top officials in the UK and this trip will be of great benefit to him.”

Dalton has a high-profile assignment next week when he officiates in the Winter Olympic final qualifying stages.

He travels to Riga for the four-team tournament – including Germany, Austria, Japan and hosts Latvia – with the winners qualifying for the Winter Olympics in Korea in 2018.