HAVING already secured the North Division title, Bradford Bulldogs’ U12s had the chance to claim a remarkable double at the Kingston Ice Hockey Club Tournament on June 12.

They did exactly that, ending an already brilliant campaign as winners of the Kingston Ice Hockey Club Tournament, with captain Will Durgan scoring an overtime winner to beat Sheffield 2-1 in the final.

Reflecting on his side’s success, coach Andy Brown was full of praise for the young stars.

Speaking to the T&A, he said: “They’ve done fantastically well this season the U12s. At the start of the year, we didn’t have enough players and we didn’t even know if we’d be able to compete in the league.

“But we did manage to bring some players in through our Learn To Play scheme, and they’ve all worked extremely hard to contribute to this season’s success. They went unbeaten for the full season to win the league and then went to Hull for the Kingston Tournament and once again went unbeaten throughout all the games.

“Facing Sheffield in the final was always going to be tough because they did go on to become national champions, but we got the job done and it rounded off a fantastic season for the U12s.”

Brown added: “I’ve got to admit, it was a nail biting final for everybody, especially for the parents. But winning at the death makes it even sweeter and I’m immensely proud of the team and the nerve they showed to get the all-important victory. They have gone from strength-to-strength all year and their development has been fantastic to see.

“I think all the kids have bought into it this season, they’ve worked extremely hard, both in house and at home, and it has paid dividends. The results clearly demonstrate that because you don’t win two trophies without that commitment and effort.”

It wasn’t just the Bulldogs’ U12s who shone brightly, but their U16s also performed to a high level, reaching the semi-finals of the Kingston Ice Hockey Club Tournament on the back of some great performances - only to lose out to a strong Coventry team, the eventual winners.

Discussing his older side, Brown said: “The 16s did fantastic to make the semi-final; they were very unfortunate in losing the game, but they had a brilliant tournament and played some great hockey throughout. I’m also extremely proud to coach these youngsters.”

With the amount of talent in the ranks at Bradford Bulldogs, Brown believes there is a future in the sport for some of the club’s young talents.

He said: “I can definitely see a bright future for the club’s youngsters. For sure, I can see a number of them going to play for their regional teams and then from there going on to make the England and Great Britain teams if they continue with it. And if it’s their desire, I do believe some of them have the capability to go and play professionally and make a career out of it. It’s brilliant to see the youngsters thriving and it’s exciting to be a part of.”