THERE are exciting times for Solihull Barons ice hockey team with qualifications and international call-ups.
The Under 12s, who play in the Midland League, finished in second place for the 2022/23 season, earning them a place at the Nationals. They take place on May 13 and 14 at the Cambridge ice rink.
The best eight teams in the country will battle it out to become national champions.
The 20-strong team, captained by Noah Bruce and his two assistant captains Will Eley and Alfie Bythell, trains weekly and plays all their home matches at Planet Ice Solihull.
When away, they travel to a variety of places over the 20-match season, including Sheffield, Coventry, Telford and Nottingham.
This is the first time in 27 years since a junior team from Solihull has made Nationals.
More success has come for the club in the Under 15s where Nancy Baker, 14, has been selected as a first reserve for the England Girls team.
The utility player has played ice hockey for more than five years in both forward and defensive positions. Sporty Nancy also plays for the U16 Girls Midlands Wrekin Raiders team.
Tommy Kolisek has been selected for the U13s England team and will head to Bratislava in June to play with his country over a four-day tournament.
The 12-year-old has been playing ice hockey since he was six and also plays in the U14A team in the Division 1 North league and for our U16 team.
Ever since he joined the club he has been playing up to the age group above.
He had to attend five trials at Cambridge Ice Rink with the best players in the country at his age group to be selected for the team.
He trains at Planet Ice Solihull weekly and puts in many hours a week with his off ice training.
Solihull Barons also have 16 players from throughout the club who will be attending the EIHA Draft Showcase at the beginning of May.
They will compete with players drafted from all around the country.
And seven of the club’s Under 10s will take part in Mighty Mites on May 5. This event will start the Draft Showcase.
