After the U20s had centre stage last week, the younger age groups get their turn in the spotlight this weekend as the EIHA National Junior Finals take place at Ice Sheffield (14/15 May)

Teams from across the country battle it out with the top four sides from u11, u13 and u15 playing Saturday and Sunday. In addition the u18 of Sheffield and Okanagan will contest the U18 Championship Final three weeks after OHA won the Rob Laidler Plate in Swindon after a thrilling match.

Saturday’s timetable has the semi finals of the three age groups with the u18 Final in the middle of the programme at 2pm. Sunday sees the bronze medal games for u11, u13 and u15 in the morning with the grand finals in the afternoon.

Admission for spectators is free all weekend at Ice Sheffield, while the EIHA Junior Leagues Management Committee will be continuing their fundraising efforts for this year’s chosen charity, the RNLI.

The fundraising began at Conference weekend and JLMC Chair Jacqueline Pye confirmed that the total has exceed £2,000 so far with Junior Finals and Womens Trophy weekend still to come.

“The idea of a chosen charity adds something to our events and gives the sport the chance to give something back to the wider community. We’re over £2,000 after Conference for the RNLI and hope to add to that figure with our final two tournaments before the end of May.

“National Finals brings fourteen teams from eight different clubs to contest four age groups – the hockey is always keenly contested and well supported by family, friends and hockey fans looking to extend their season.

“The JLMC sends their congratulations to all teams making the Finals and wishes them well for the weekend ahead.”

TIMETABLE: Saturday – 9.00am Billingham v Chelmsford u11 semifinal. 10.15am Bradford v Chelmsford u13 semifinal. 12noon Sheffield v Swindon u15 semifinal. 2.00pm Sheffield v Okanagan u18 Final. 4.15pm Sheffield v Swindon u11 semifinal. 5.30pm Bracknell v Nottingham u13 semifinal. 7.15pm Chelmsford v Bradford u15 semifinal.

Sunday – 9.00am u11 bronze medal game. 10.15am u13 bronze medal game. 11.45 u15 bronze medal game. 1.45pm u11 Final. 3.00pm u13 Final. 4.45pm u15 Final