TWO ice hockey-mad youngsters from Blackpool are looking forward to spending their New Year in Canada - hopefully beating the locals at their own game!

Richard Hulme of Abbeyville and Joshua Langfield of Sawley Avenue, both 13, are keen players with the Kestrels, a team of under 14s which plays at Blackburn Arena.

The team, which is top of the Northern Conference League in Britain and has won its past eight games hands down, decided it was time for a more testing challenge.

So next month 15 members of the team are travelling with their families to Ontario to play against teams from the home of ice hockey - Canada.

It will be the first time ever for a Lancashire team to challenge Canadians at their own game, on their home turf.

During their visit they will meet the Mayor of Mississauga and pass on good wishes from Lancashire.

They will also visit Mapleleaf Gardens, the hall of fame, with exhibits from from some of Canada's top players.

Angela Hulme, Richard's mum, who is making the trip with him along with dad Michael and daughter Hayley ,said: "He is looking forward to it tremendously. He loves ice hockey and is very committed to it.

"He started of 18 months ago after being hooked on roller blading. When he started ice hockey he took to it straight away."

Beryl Hartley, Joshua's grandmother, said: "We are very excited. Joshua's grandfather and I loved skating and actually met at the ice rink.

"Years ago he played for the Blackpool Seagulls. We have never pushed Joshua to take up ice skating but he wanted to and is a complete natural.

"He is very excited about this trip and we are very proud of the dedication he has to the game."

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