ALTRINCHAM ice hockey duo Craig Rogers and James Pirie are preparing themselves for the trip of a lifetime.

The pair are part of a 19-strong Great Britain squad who will be competing in the Under-14s' World Ice Hockey Championships in Quebec, Canada, next February.

And the youngsters will get to play in front of crowds of 10,000 people - twice the average attendance the Storm get at the M.E.N Arena.

The two-week event will bring together 2000 of the world's most talented youngsters from 120 different teams.

'Dead nervous'

Each team will play 11 games which is nearly as many as Craig and James play in their domestic league season with the Altrincham Tomahawks, currently top of the league at the half-way stage having won all of their eight games.

''I was very excited when I heard I had made the squad in November and I can't wait to go now,'' said 13-year-old Craig, who lives in Stockport.

James, from Eccles, who was 13 on Thursday, added: ''I'm dead nervous but it will be a brilliant experience.''

James and Craig, who both want to follow professional careers in the sport, have already played two games for Great Britain.

But Craig, who is being sponsored by Baymow BMW Garage in Stockport for the course of the championships, is realistic about their chances of success.

''I think we'll struggle in the World Championships but if we work hard then hopefully we might surprise a few teams," he said.

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