It is half six in the morning and 23 kids in red tracksuits are sizing one another cautiously, all wondering what the next five days will be like. Parents and siblings have gathered around hockey bags in small groups drinking coffee looking calm but bursting with pride and excitement inside. This was the team and the supporters that were about to jump on a plane and travel to Bratislava for a hockey tournament. Here’s what happened next. The selection The journey to get to that plane had been long and hard. These players represented some of the brightest U11s talent that UK has to offer and they had been selected after having played in four conference level tournaments and two specific selection camps throughout the season. They had gone head to head with other players on and off the ice and convinced the coaches that they have what it takes to not just participate but to compete and excel at the highest level.  The day when the final team was announced was eagerly await...