BRADFORD Bulldogs have scored a first after two of their teams have been crowned English Ice Hockey Association national champions.

The club were represented in all three age groups at the Sheffield finals – with the top two teams from the north facing off against their southern counterparts.

And the Bulldogs were celebrating in both the under-12 and under-14 category after two days of fierce action.

The Bradford under-12s beat Bracknell 12-5 in their semi-final before battling back from conceding an early goal to beat Guildford in the final – and become the city’s first national champions.

The under-14s soon followed suit. Having seen off Slough 6-1 with a clinical display of ice hockey, they also faced Guildford in the final.

This was a much closer affair and the Surrey side led 4-3 with five minutes to play. But the Bulldogs rallied to eventually run out 7-5 winners.

Head Coach Andy Brown said “We are only a small club but all the hard work from players, coaches and the support of parents has paid off.

“We have only ever had two teams reach the national finals in the history of our club and we have never won.

“To have this victory for two of our teams is a fantastic achievement for the club and for the city of Bradford. I am very proud of all the players, as they have put their hearts and souls into this season.”

The Bulldog under-16s were unable to make it a hat-trick as they went down 3-1 in the semi-finals to the Okanagan Hockey Academy, an American team based in Swindon.

Bradford hope their new success can attract more children to take up the sport.

A league restructure is planned for next season with the introduction of under-11 and under-19 competitions.

Bradford Ice Arena has a beginner’s ice hockey session every Wednesday between 5.30-6.30pm. Contact Andy Brown at andy@icetime.org for details.