PETE Russell has spoken this week of his delight after eight of his Okanagan Hockey Academy UK players were called up to the Great Britain Under 18s squad.

The newly appointed head coach of the GB men’s side is hoping to build for the future of British hockey and will be pleased to see his work in Swindon with the academy side has gained attention.

D-Men Oliver Stone, Ben Nethersell and Kyle Smith along with forwards Glenn Billing, Adam Finlinson, Luc Johnson, Toms Rutkis and Michael Stratford will join Team GB for the IIHF World U18s Division 2A Championships in Tallinn from Thursday, March 19th through Sunday, March 29th 2015.

“I’m thrilled and delighted for my players it’s a great achievement for them all,” said Russell.

“To be selected for your national team is a great honour.

“All these players work hard every day here at and have been rewarded in the biggest way with there selection.

“To have eight players selected is a huge positive to our program here in Swindon.”

The tournament will see the team meet relegated Poland, Korea, Croatia, Netherlands and promoted hosts Estonia during the ten days of the competition.

Billing and Stratford were both involved in the under 20 side that won gold in Estonia in December and will be hoping to take that experience into this tournament.

“I feel very honoured to be chosen to represent my country once again,” the 17-year old said.

“There’s no better feeling than putting that GB shirt on.

“I am excited to have been given this opportunity and I’m confident that we can achieve our goal of a Gold medal and promotion.

“As Michael [Stratford] said, we’ve got a talented team who work hard and bonded well at the last camp and I’m looking forwards to the next camp and getting to work so we are all raring to go come the Championships.”

The first two-day training camp will take place at iceSheffield on Tuesday, February 3 and will involve a challenge game against an as yet, unconfirmed side.

Finlinson was a player who took his opportunity with the Wildcats senior team when the others were away with the U20 squad, putting in some fine individual performances, and will be hoping to do the same for his country.

“I feel honoured to be given the opportunity to represent my country,” he said.

“I’m excited for the challenge ahead and the experience of the world championships . We have a great group of guys who I know will play with pride and honour every time they put on the shirt, just as I do.

“I can’t wait to get started and I know we can achieve our goal of a gold medal.”