Up-and-coming Moray ice hockey youngster Connor Nelson has sights set on Scotland's first team after under-16 debut
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AN up-and-coming Moray ice hockey player has set his sights on the country's first team after making his Scotland under-16s debut.
Connor Nelson (15), of Elgin Academy, made his debut for Scotland against England in Dumfries at the start of May, before travelling to compete at the EMF Tournament in Slovakia in June.
The S5 pupil plays his ice hockey for Aberdeen Lynx's under-16 side, but trains with his father Warren – who was also an ice hockey player – at Moray Junior Ice Hockey Club in Elgin.
Connor, who started playing ice hockey aged 10, said: "I'm hoping to make the Scotland squad more in the future and get myself ready to get picked for the adult team when I turn 16.
"I was noticed by coaches through playing games and went for two trials. Thankfully they went well.
"Travelling away with the Scotland team was an unreal experience and feeling. It was something different, learning a different way to play. I feel like my knowledge of the game is better now."
Connor's debut came against England in May, when Scotland won four out of four matches against their neighbours.
The trip to Slovakia provided a sterner challenge. There were two competitive matches with England, and also clashes with a Slovakian elite team and a local side called Hamikovo.
Connor, a defenceman, scored his first goal for his country and got MVP in the match with Hamikovo – with Scotland going on to win the tournament.
Dad Warren added: "He did pretty well in the games in Dumfries – England never scored while he was on the ice.
"Bratislava was a whole different kettle of fish to that – ice hockey is a very, very big thing there. There are rinks everywhere.
"The team lost to the Slovakian elite side, but beat England and Hamikovo and that was enough to win the tournament on goal difference.
"It's the first time a Scotland team has won a tournament abroad, and Connor played all the games.
"As an ex-player, I can see how far he has come and the work he has put in."
For more information on Moray Juniors Ice Hockey team visit www.facebook.com/morayjuniors
