Denmark offer a masterclass

THE Planet Ice rink in Widnes hosted a prestigious international challenge match between the new England Under 23 team and Denmark U23s last Thursday – resulting in a 1-11 win for the visitors.

As well as hosting the event, further Widnes interest was provided by Wild NIHL player Matty Barlow having been selected for the England team and Academy Head Coach Mikey Gilbert who was helping on the bench.

Denmark took the lead in the second minute and were 0-4 up by the time Solihull Barons player Jordan Jolly scored the only goal of the game for England on 14 minutes.

A further goal from the visitors towards the end of the period saw them leading 1-5 at the first break. Just 2 goals followed in the second period – both for Denmark – and four more unanswered strikes in the third period – including two in the last 60 seconds of the game - rounded off an impressive 1-11 win for the overseas visitors.

A second game between the two teams, played in Sheffield the following night saw a similar pattern with the marauding Danes coming out 0-15 winners.

Talking afterwards about his involvement in the two England matches, Matty Barlow said: “The whole experience will be something I’ll be proud of and remember for a lifetime. Opportunities like that don’t come round so often and I was honoured to be selected to represent my country but also to wear the A on my jersey was special to me.

“The games against Denmark were really tough. It’s whole different side of hockey I’ve never seen before - especially being out there on the ice with them. Their skating, puck movement and their general IQ of the game was something else.

“That was a whole new level of hockey and I think, personally, myself and the lads were blown away when we saw them play.

As difficult as the games were, we showed heart and spirit throughout both games and showed why we were chosen to play for England.

“It has opened my eyes a lot more knowing the hard work Denmark put in to the game as players and it makes me want to push myself that extra step that I’ve not taken before.

“Thank you to the Widnes fans on Thursday night who made it extra special for me and the lads.”