Owen Dell has again been selected to England National Team programme and will travel to the Czech Republic between the 10th – 13th April to represent his Country.

Owen, aged 14, who plays for the Invicta Mavericks (U15’s) Team has had to undergo extensive trials to earn himself a spot in the team that will travel to Nymburk for 4 days.

The trip, designed to replicate an IIHF International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships will see the players train and play intensively over those 4 days against selected opposition to test the players selected to the National Programme.

Owen said: “I’m really pleased to be able to represent England again this year and I’d especially like to thank Invicta Dynamos Head Coach Kevin Parrish for allowing me to train with them throughout my trials.”

“I think this certainly helped me in terms of being sharp for the trials. I’d also like to thank Kent Sport, who through their FANS (Free Access for National Sports People) Scheme were able to assist me financially with a small grant which went towards assisting with the purchasing of new skates and a stick.”

Two other Invicta Juniors, Iona Cowan aged 15 who also plays for the Mavericks and Ava Dell aged 11 who plays for the Invicta Chargers (U13’s) have both been selected to attend the England Girls U15 School of Excellence later this year.

Both girls will be partake in an intensive week long residential selection camp upon the conclusion of which a team will be chosen to attend Finland to represent the Girls England Team. Iona a former attendee at the School of Excellence commented upon how hard and demanding the week is. For Ava, the younger sister of Owen this will be her first time attending but having undergone the selection process to date she is excited and looking forward to the challenge.

A former Invicta Junior and current Invicta Mustangs player Lucy Gruber, aged 19, is currently in Gangneung, Korea as a travelling reserve with the GB Senior Women’s team competing in the 2017 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division II Group A.

The tournament which commenced on the 2nd April and concludes on the 8th sees GB compete against their counterpart from the Netherlands, Australia, Slovenia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and hosts Korea.

Lucy, the daughter of Medway Bears legend Chris Gruber has previously represented GB at the U18 age group but this is her first time with the senior Women’s team.

Ice Hockey is an exciting team sport that is built on skill, speed discipline and teamwork. Nearly 2 million players, both male and female of all ages, play ice hockey around the world.

It’s a great sport to watch – and even better to play! Anyone looking to get involved in Ice Hockey should visit

www.silver-blades.co.uk/page/times_prices/Gillingham for more information on learning to skate and Hockey Excellence or email [email protected]

Pictures supplied by Doug Laming and Karl Denham.