Brother and sister both receive an England call-up

Ice hockey

Owen Dell has been in the Czech Republic this week on a four-day trip as part of the England National Team programme. It’s a second call-up for the 14-year-old Towers School pupil, who plays for Gillingham-based Invicta Mavericks under-15s, having undergone extensive trials to earn a spot on the four-day trip to Nymburk. The visit was designed to replicate the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships and saw players train and play intensively against selected opponents. Owen said: “I’m pleased to be able to represent England again this year. I would like to thank Invicta Dynamos head coach Kevin Parrish for allowing me to train with them.” “It certainly helped me in terms of being ready for the trials and I would also like to thank Kent Sport who assisted me financially through their FANS (Free Access for National Sports People), with a small grant which went towards new skates and stick.” Meanwhile, younger sister, 11-year-old Ava, who attends Willesborough Junior School, and plays for the Invicta Chargers under-13s, has been selected to attend an England Girls’ under-15 school of excellence later this year. It will include a week-long residential selection camp, after which the team to visit Finland will be selected.

Ava and Owen Dell