Tuesday 28th March 2023

The EIHA are delighted to announce that NIHl National Division-winning Head Coach Ryan Aldridge and Great Britain Under 16s and Bristol Pitbulls Head Coach Jamie Elson are the latest coaches to sign up for this year’s Showcase Draft Tournament.

Both will be leading teams in our Under 16s category at Showcase 2023.

Aldridge led the Leeds Knights to the Planet ICE NIHL National Division title this season, and is looking forward to working with the next generation of players.

He said: “It is going to be a great opportunity for me to work with some really talented players and to get a better understanding of the level of players coming through.”

“I have spent a lot of time over the past decade working with young players and that has continued at Leeds. I am always on the lookout for more talent, and I am excited about the format, I think it will be a great weekend for us all to be a part of.”

Jamie Elson, who is preparing to take the Great Britain U16s to Riga over Easter, is excited to experience the new Showcase Draft Tournament.

He added: “It’s exciting to see the new format that’s been put in place for this showpiece weekend, and it’s a privilege to be asked to be involved behind the bench in this first one.

“I see the new structure as a positive and exciting step, and hopefully the players are looking forward to being involved in these games, and how this structure will work.

“It will be a great opportunity to put these players in a set-up for the weekend where we can treat them like young professionals and give them an opportunity to showcase what they are capable of as young athletes. I look forward to stepping behind the bench and working with them.

“I’ve been fortunate to have coached in the former Conference weekend on numerous times over the years and have many great memories. It’s always been a great way to close out the year, coaching and working with the top prospects in this country.”

Elson believes that the platform Showcase provides is a crucial step in the players’ development pathway.

The Pitbulls boss continued: “It’s important for our top junior players to be put in environments where they face tougher games and opposition, and where the overall standard of play is higher. They need this for their development, so opportunities like this are important.”

Showcase 2023 will take place over the weekend of the 5th-8th May 2023 at iceSheffield.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities at the Showcase Draft Tournament, please get in touch at showcase@nulleiha.co.uk.