Coach hails player call-up to America; ICE HOCKEY: Move to top league could serve as inspiration, says Thompson.

Byline: Antony Hopker

CASSIDY Coventry Blaze coach Paul Thompson believes the experience of one of his Great Britain defencemen in getting signed up for one of the top leagues in the world can serve as an inspiration to local youngsters.

Dave Phillips, 21, who played for Belfast Giants last year, earned a call up to the NHL side Chicago Blackhawks' try-out camp.

Despite the National Hockey League scouting network not stretching as far as Britain, Phillips did enough to secure a contract with Chicago affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs in the American Hockey League.

Phillips beat off 50 other rivals to secure the deal and will start next season vying for a space on the AHL side, while he could also feature in the next league down, the ECHL, for Gwinnett Gladiators.

The switch leaves Phillips potentially one step away from playing the NHL - and also a gaping hole in the Belfast defence this season.

"You wouldn't stand in the way of anyone when they get an offer like that," said Thompson.

"Davie started with Hull and matured last year with the quality of players that Belfast had. He's still raw but he's only 21, he skates as well as anyone and he is used to competitive action.

"I recommended him to Mark Bernard (former Basingstoke player-coach)who works over there now and he fixed up the try-out.

"It is a huge achievement for him and it he really has an opportunity to make the most of his talent. And if he makes a name for himself then it opens the door for others.

"I would like players in our own junior system to see what is possible."

With ex-Blaze captain Ashley Tait heading to Italy and Matt Myers of Nottingham going to Bakersfield in the ECHL, the Brit abroad is becoming a feature. "Word is getting around Europe and then North America," said Thompson.

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POSITIVE STEP... Paul Thompson