Talented Joshua Purvis, 11, is looking like the real deal on the ice after an impressive first year at the Newcastle Vipers.
The hot prospect from Amble, who has been playing the sport for just four years, netted the Vipers' U12 Forward of the Yea
r accolade at a recent award night.
A sensational hat-trick in the final of a prestigious tournament no doubt helped the Amble Middle School student land the hitman award.
And it's this kind of form which has turned the eyes of hockey coaches, who are wanting him to flaunt his skills in a top trial – which could result in him catching the eye of England and Team Great Britain bosses.
But, it comes at a cost.
Josh would be locking horns with the best of the bunch in the Northern Conference, which caters for the cream of the crop from the Scottish Borders, all the way to Hull.
Starting in September, Josh would have to travel to around 10 training sessions, held anywhere within the huge northern region.
And then there is the Conference weekend, held next year, where England and Team GB scouts will be eyeing up future recruits. If Josh impresses, he would join the U13 School of Excellence.
It is a money-sapping commitment and, as one ice hockey website warns: "Ice hockey is not a cheap sport, and if you opt to get involved in the Conference team selection process, it will not be cheap."
Josh's dad, Jonathan, said: "We are looking to get sponsorship for Josh so that he can try out for Conference next year. It is something that he really wants to do.
"It would be great if we could get help with the cost of Conference, which is extra money to what we already pay for the Vipers and there is the travelling and the cost of strips."
He added: "Anyone who would be kind enough to sponsor Josh would get a patch on his shorts and they would end up in the Vipers' programmes, as well as the programmes during the Conference weekend."
Anyone interested in sponsoring Josh, who will be playing for the Vipers' U14 side in North Midlands Division One next season, should contact Jonathan on 01665 712923 or email jonathan.purvis2@btinternet.com
HOW THE CONFERENCE SYSTEM WORKS
GREAT Britain, excluding Ireland and Scotland, is split in to four Conference areas – North, Midlands, South East and South West.
Each year all the clubs within their particular Conference area send their best players for trial with the sole purpose of formulating a select team to compete in one inter-Conference tournament held in Hull at the beginning of May.
This tournament has been organised to concentrate English ice hockey talent in one arena and one competition, so that the scouts for England and GB national sides can view potential players.
