Great Britain’s junior prospects have just completed a two-day camp at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham.

Taking place on Monday and Tuesday, the camp gave the coaching staff of the men’s under-20s, under-18s and under-16s the chance to evaluate the youngsters.

All three groups were put through their paces on the ice, but there were also important off-ice sessions as well.

The youngsters were given a detailed education session about concussions and the dangers surrounding head injuries by Professor Mike Loosemore, a Lead Sports Physician for the English Institute of Sport (EIS).

Professor Mike – arguably the world’s leading expert in the field of concussion and head injury in sport – treats a wide range of elite athletes and is currently the Chief Medical Officer for GB Boxing and GB Snow Sport.

There was also a strength and conditioning talk by Sam Kelvey where the players were given advice on the importance of keeping themselves properly hydrated and the significant effects that failing to do so would have on their performance.

Ice Hockey UK and GB Programme Chairman Clifton Wrottesley spoke with the players to introduce them to the expectations of them as athletes and also addressed coaches and managers to outline the potential future of the programme.

Under-20s Head Coach, Martin Grubb, said: “We were really pleased with the camp and especially the compete level the players brought.

“It makes for some difficult decisions but that is what we want and shows the depth we have.”

Sean Easton, Head Coach of the under-18s, said: “It was great to get going on the process of selecting the team for the competition in Serbia next April.

“It very useful to have all the teams there together and to catching up with the staff of the other teams working towards the new season.”

Under 16s Head Coach, Jamie Elson, said: “Starting the process all over again is always an exciting time as you look through the age group to start assessing and planning out the year.

“There is always a good buzz at these camps and for many at the under-16s age level, this is the first time in the GB programme so that is exciting to be part of.

“There is a lot of talent we feel within this year group and I know all the staff are looking forward to working with these athletes over the next nine months.”