Hill can't wait for next GB challenge (From This Is Lancashire)

Hill can't wait for next GB challenge

9:32pm Monday 8th March 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

TEAM GB ICE HOCKEY

Cardiff Devils’ GB international winger Phil Hill is even more determined to make Head Coach Paul Thompson’s national team squad, after Ice Hockey UK announced that the Great Britain team will play the Netherlands in two full internationals on Saturday 10th April at Nottingham’s National Ice Centre and on Sunday 11th April at Ice Sheffield.

Hill made his full international championship debut at last year’s World Championships in Poland and recorded his first international goal in the thrilling 3-2 win over the Netherlands on way to the GB team winning a bronze medal at the tournament.

The 27 year-old Welshman said: "It’s fantastic to play for the national team. It took me a while to break into the squad and having got there I really want to continue to be part of it.

"The game against the Netherlands was a special one for me last season as I scored my first national team goal against them, but the whole game was great to play in. They play a similar style to us and that made for a great match up in Poland so I think we can look forward to two more fantastic games against them before GB head off for this year’s Championships in Slovenia. It's perfect preparation for us."

GB boss Thompson is expected to announce his initial thirty man squad for the World Championships in the next few days and Hill, who has already posted eighteen goals for the Devils this season, is hopeful he’ll make the cut.

"I felt I did well for the national team last time and I’ve been pretty happy with the way I’ve been playing this season, so hopefully I’ll be in the squad. Ask all the British players around the league and just about all of them are desperate to get in. Playing for the national team is special and competition for places is getting higher all the time which can only be a good thing."

Tickets for both games are on sale now and are priced at £15 for adults, £10 for OAP’s and Students, £7 for Under 16s and £38 for a 2 adult, 2 child family ticket.

Tickets purchased before Midnight on Sunday 4th April can be bought at the reduced price of £12 for adults, £8 for OAP’s and Students, £5 for Under 16’s and £30 for a 2 adult, 2 child family ticket.

Tickets for the game at the Nottingham NIC (Face off at 7pm) are available from the NIC Box Office for personal callers or by calling 08444 124624. They can also be purchased online at www.trentfmarena.com.

Tickets for the game at Ice Sheffield (Face off at 4pm) are available from the Sheffield Steelers office on 01142 423535 or in person at Entrance B of the Sheffield Hallam FM Arena between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday.