Ystrad Mynach Girl Prepares for Ice Hockey Worlds

Charlotte Harris, a 13-year-old from Ystrad Mynach, has flown to Spain with the Great Britain team.

The Lewis Girls School pupil is in a squad of 20 selected by GB under-18 women’s coach Cheryl Smith to play in the Four Nations International tournament.

Hosts Spain plus Hungary and Poland are the other teams competing at the Igloo Granada Ice Arena in Spain.

GB are preparing for the under-18 women’s World Championships in Katowice, Poland in January when they will play Australia, China, Denmark, France and the hosts.

Charlotte plays for a number of ice hockey teams including Cardiff Devils juniors under-15 and Bracknell girls under-16, England boys, England girls and GB.

The quality of Charlotte’s skating is a major asset, while she works hard at improving her game and is intent on playing in North America at some stage.

Charlton Harris in skating action for Cardiff Devils Juniors.

Charlotte also plays inline hockey for Caerphilly Comets.

Her mother, Melanie, says: “It can be quite hectic going to all these different clubs and teams, but it’s what Charlotte wants to do and she is extremely committed.”

Charlotte’s commitment to ice hockey started when Cardiff Devils players visited her school and she started skating inline with Comets.

Coach Andrew Jones Prosser quickly discovered the potential Charlotte has, saying: “Shem at it and I could not be more proud of her.

“Charlotte is one of the best skaters I’ve seen.”

GB women’s under-18 squad flew out from Birmingham Airport to Spain this week and their fixtures at the Four Nations event are:

GB U-18 Women’s schedule

Friday, November 10 4pm (3pm UK time) v Hungary

Saturday, November 11 4pm (3pm UK time) v Poland

Sunday, November 7:30pm (6.30pm UK time) v Spain

GB earned a 3-3 draw against Northern Ireland in their preparations for this trip and coach Smith said: “We asked for specifics and they players delivered.

“They all did what we asked of them.

“We have some good foundations to work with and we are starting to see the team develop in units rather than individuals.

“Overall, the coaching staff like what we are seeing and this is all preparation for January’s World Championship.”

Great Britain under-18 squad:

Netminders: Marie Gilbert (Sheffield); Ella Howard (Slough).

Defence: Lucy Beal (Bracknell/Slough); Annabelle Cuss (Swindon); Charlotte Edgar (Sheffield); Emily Johnson (Kingston/Whitley); Abbie Sylvester (Bracknell/Chelmsford); Ellie Wakeling (Bracknell/Chelmsford).

Forwards: Sophie Campbell (Fife/Kingston); Grace Garbett (Telford); Megan Gourlay (Solway); Charlotte Harris (Bracknell/Cardiff); Emily Harris (Bracknell); Chloe Riley (Sutton/Sheffield); Lizzie Saunders (Sutton/Sheffield); Jessica Sprules (Swindon); Milly Such (Sutton/Sheffield); Kiana Tait (Kingston); Amy Trueman (Solihull).

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