Ice hockey training on offer

Youngsters from across the Cannock Chase district will soon be able to try their hand at a new adrenaline sport at the Silver Blades Ice Rink in Cannock.

Ice hockey training will be going on offer.

The town's newest attraction, at Lakeside Plaza, is teaming up with champion ice hockey team the Cassidy Coventry Blaze to help coach local children how to play.

Great Britain coach Paul Thompson, along with the Blaze assistant coach Luc Chabot and Great Britain international player Tommy Watkins, will be giving their top tips to children to train them up to junior hockey level.

These youngsters will then be able to compete in junior hockey with junior clubs in Coventry, Telford and Solihull.

Ice Hockey Basics is an English Ice Hockey Association course covering basic skating, puck control, balance, shooting and in-house games, and covers an eight week course.

As part of the course fee, the new Hockey Locker shop in Cannock will be supplying helmets and sticks while the rink will provide rental skates.

Paul Thompson said he was excited about bringing new talent into the sport.

Ice rink managing director Mark Johnson said: "We look forward to welcoming the first kids to the rink when the curse starts on June 12."

Anyone wanting to take part in the ice hockey coaching can contact Silver Blades on 08700 852929 or e-mail: cannock@silver-blades.co. uk