News
Friday 5 December 2008
University Ice Hockey stars on their way to China
Great Britain’s University Ice Hockey team will represent the country next year at the 2009 Winter World University Games. Amongst the team travelling to Harbin, China, will be two students and two alumni of Nottingham Trent University, whilst a further two more current students have also been named as reserves for the team.
Robert Lachowicz, first year Sport and Exercise Science student, and Lee Haywood a third year Sports Science and Management student will both form part of the team taking to the ice between the 14th and 28th February 2009. They will be joined by recent Psychology and Criminology graduate Colm Cannon, and Sport and Exercise Science graduate Geoff Woolhouse. Richard Griffiths and Ben Wood – both current Business Studies students – have also been selected as reserves for the team.
The high standard of Great Britain’s University Ice Hockey team has now earned them recognition from the British Olympic Association as part of the Performance Pathway from junior to senior representation on the national British team. The rival teams that the University Ice Hockey squad are due to face in China will be made up of some of the best future ice hockey stars in the world.
Speaking about his selection for the team, Lee Haywood, said: “I’m thrilled to be getting the chance to go out to Harbin and compete in the games. The competition is a big deal for all of us, and the standard of British ice hockey has improved so much over recent years. I can’t wait to get out there.”
As current Nottingham Trent University students, Lee, Robert and Richard are each recipients of the government funded Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS). The university is one of only 13 ‘TASS Hubs’ in the country with government funding available to offer financial support, coaching and training to exceptionally talented student athletes. The availability of TASS at Nottingham Trent University is testament to the commitment made in supporting sporting endeavour amongst its students.
Nottingham Trent University’s Director of Sport, James Hayter, said: “It’s great that the university is contributing so much to the Ice Hockey team. We’re all really proud of each of the students and graduates that are going to be taking part.”
Regarded as being only second in standard to the Olympics, the Winter World University Games is held every two years and attracts over 2,000 athletes from more than 50 countries to compete. The 2009 event will be the 24th of its kind to take place.
ENDS
Notes for editors:
Press enquiries please contact Matt Wallace, Press Officer, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8785 or via email matthew.wallace@ntu.ac.uk or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8774 or via email therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk.
