GREAT Britain senior men’s ice hockey head coach is set to lecture at Warrington Collegiate.

Peter Russell will be a visiting lecturer on the Ice Hockey BTEC Level 3 Sport in partnership between Warrington Collegiate and Widnes Wild Ice Hockey Club.

The course combines the knowledge and expertise of highly-qualified ice hockey professional staff with a level three academic qualification.

As well as being GB head coach, Russell has recently been appointed director of hockey at the Milton Keynes Lightning. He has guided the GB under 20s to gold and promotion at the World Championships and most recently has secured a silver medal at the World Championships in Eindhoven, Holland for the senior men’s team.

Russell said: “As the GB Head Coach it is extremely exciting to be involved in the delivery of a course which I believe will enable aspiring ice hockey players to develop and to gain a qualification which can open many doors, including attending University.

“Many parents and players struggle with the conflict between playing ice hockey and gaining a world class education and so it is fantastic that Warrington Collegiate and the Widnes Wild have formed a partnership to address this.”

Russell with take part in sessions with the students at least once a term either through a lecture or a practical session at Silver Blades Ice Rink and will work with Widnes Wild head coach Scott McKenzie to support in the implementation of strong foundations aligned to a development structure.

McKenzie added:“It is fantastic that Pete has agreed to a part of the Ice Hockey BTEC is Sport and is testament to his commitment to developing the next generation of GB Ice Hockey players. “Going forward his experience will not only inspire the students but enable them to understand what is required to represent their nation.”