Ice hockey: Kelburne trio has key to success in Oz

Jan 13 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

KELBURNE Hockey Club president Harry Coles believes the experience of the Paisley contingent could be the key as Team Great Britain begin their search for medals at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival.

Kenny Bain, Ross Stott and Gordon McIntyre, all key players for the Gents first 11 at ’Burne, are in the squad of 16 as the Brits prepare to get their medal campaign underway after tomorrow’s opening ceremony.

And Coles believes Bain and McIntyre, both members of the 2007 Great Britain team who won silver medals at the festival, will have the necessary experience to help guide the Brits to success.

Coles said: “I think it’s realistic to think that Great Britain can get to the semi-finals again, maybe even the final.

“Both Kenny and Gordon were in the team two years ago and that experience will be important.

“They’ll be regarded at the ‘old heads’ of the squad and that could be vital.”

Stott, younger brother of former Great Britain Olympian Niall, heads Down Under for the first time for this tournament and Coles is hoping that the youngster has put his recent injury problems behind him.

He explained: “Ross has not played all that much hockey over the last few weeks because he had a long-standing problem in his hand and he had to have an operation.

“But he’s fully fit now and I’m hoping he can do well.

“Although Great Britain won silver medals the last time it may well be even harder for them this time around.

“There is no doubt expectations will be high and we really don’t know too much about the strength of the opposition teams Great Britain are playing against.

“Having said that I definitely think Great Britain can do well and I’m delighted to see Kenny, Gordon and Ross represent Kelburne Hockey Club out there. It’s a great honour.”

The fifth Australian Youth Olympic Festival takes place from tomorrow to Sunday at Olympic venues across Sydney.

The opening ceremony takes place at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, tomorrow, at 6.30pm local time.

The head of the British Olympic Association, Lord Colin Moynihan, has sent a small army of athletes to compete in this year’s Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF) in Sydney.

More than 200 GB athletes and officials, are in Australia this week asthe nation starts to escalate its preparations to host the 2012 London Olympics.

The Brits will be among 1,800 athletes from around the globe competing in 21 sports at the festival.

Great Britain’s athletes are be the fourth largest team behind Australia, New Zealand and China.

Eight of the GB athletes who competed in the last AOYF competed in the Beijing Olympics, most notably diving star Tom Daley.

Tomorrow, the Great Britain men’s team open their campaign against Malaysia before they play India on Thursday.

In other news two of Kelburne Hockey Club’s gents first 11 games have been rescheduled.

Their home game in the league to Inverleith is being held on Saturday, February 28, with a 2.30pm push-back, while their Scottish Cup clash away to St Andrews University will now take place on the following day, Sunday, March 1, although a start time has not been confirmed as yet.