Great Britain U16 have announced their leadership group ahead of the international tournament in Dumfries which begins this evening.
Fife’s Reece Cochrane has been named captain, with Mason Biddulph (Chelmsford) and Cade Neilson (OHA) his assistants.
“We had Reece with us last year and we’ve been incredibly impressed with everything he does, other people look up to him and he’s a big presence on the team,” said U16 head coach Rob Wilkinson.
“Mason I’d say was the glue that pulled the team together when we went away last year and Cade is a switched on kid who does everything right and goes about his business in the right way.”
Reece Cochrane said: “It felt amazing when they said my name, it’s a great honour to be named captain. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and now it’s happening feels great.
“To be one of three Scotland players to make the GB squad and to play a home tournament in Scotland is really special.”
Assistant captain Mason Biddulph said: “To represent your country is an honour, then to get an ‘A’ is even better.
“It’s totally different to playing with your club, here you’re with the best of the best and it can only make you better as a player.”
Cade Neilson was also given an Assistant Captain role, he said: “I was pretty shocked when the coaches said my name, I wasn’t expecting it. I’m proud to represent my country and honoured to be Assistant Captain.
“The squad has come together really well since the first try-outs, we’re a team now and we are ready for the tournament.”
The U16 International Tournament at Dumfries Ice Bowl begins this afternoon with Netherlands v Spain (4.30pm) followed by Great Britain v Belgium at 8pm.
A tournament pass covering all six games is £10 adults and £5 children, available from Ice Bowl reception.
A webcast is available for those unable to travel to Dumfries from 247.tv – all six games are being covered with a highlights package on Premier Sports in the New Year. Supporters wanting to order the stream should go to www.247.tv/live/ice-hockey/international-u16-ice-hockey
PHOTO: Left to right – Mason Bidduplh, Reece Cochrane, Cade Neilson