THREE of the stars of the Basingstoke Junior Bison have been selected to elected to represent their respective age groups England team.

The trio are Cain Russell, Thomas Banner and Travis Penny and all will travel to Czech Republic in April to make their international debut.

Under-15 Bison defenceman and captain Banner will be play for England under-15 team.

First year under-15 forward Penny has been selected for the under-14 team and under-13 Bison forward and captain Cain Russell will lace up his skates for England under-13 team.

Talking about the three players Junior Bison head coach Ryan Cathcart said “Tom (Banner) has worked exceptionally hard over the last four seasons.

"He has good strength, good vision and can shoot the puck hard. But where Tom really stands out is the way he skates, his stride length is so long and his skating style is coiled and strong. It makes him dominant, he competes well with players two age groups above.”

Cathcart added: "I have always said Trav (Penny) plays the game like an adult.

"It is said that great players see the game two or three moves ahead, Travi is a talent with his all-round ability, the way he sees the game and the way he picks the right time to move or shoot the puck. Players with those talents are very few.”

“Cain (Russell) is an exceptional skater, very agile and strong on his skates, even with the puck he has the ability to make everything look easy.

"How he makes players and netminders move the way he wants them to, and such an eye for the net."