A TOTAL of 26 young ice hockey players have spent a gruelling week on Bradford Bulldogs' annual ice hockey camp to develop and improve their skills in preparation for the new season.

The youngsters, aged from eight to 14, clocked up 47 hours' training at Bradford Ice Arena, working on the ice on their skating, puck handling and teamwork skills, and off the ice at the University Gym, where they looked to improve their fitness levels and knowledge of game strategy.

Two of the older Bulldogs players, Harrison Walker and Jordan Griffin – plus Kieran Brown, who recently gained an apprenticeship with Sheffield Steelers – volunteered their time to boost the coaching team and thoroughly enjoyed their new roles.

Bulldogs head coach Andy Brown said: "Our annual hockey camp is popular and well attended.

"We seek to develop the players both on and off the ice and our commitment to player development is reflected in our winning the EIHA (English Ice Hockey Association) award for development for the past two years.

"All of the players trained extremely hard and we hope this is reflected in our games next season."

Bradford Bulldogs Ice Hockey Club run a stick-and-puck session every Wednesday for players aged six to 15. Players need to be able to skate without holding onto the edge.

A helmet and stick is provided and a skate loan is available for the first few weeks. The session costs £4 and starts at 5.30pm.

For further information, e-mail Andy Brown at andy@icetime.org or come down to the rink at 5.15pm on Wednesdays.