Elliot Lewis has had a love of ice hockey since first hitting the rink at the age of nine.

Little did he know, 12 years later, that he would now have played for his country.

The 21-year-old from Hedge End, who also plays ice hockey professionally, said his next goal was to bring ice hockey back to Southampton with a rink and local team.

READ MORE: Memories of Southampton's old ice rink

He said: "I love what I do. Playing for thousands every week in a packed out rink is just an unimaginable experience.

"I make a living doing what I love everyday. For that, and for all those who saw something in my ability, I'm incredibly grateful."

Elliot played ice hockey as a hobby from the age of nine until he was 16 at the rink in Gosport.

He said: "I was then fortunate enough to be given an opportunity to play for the Solent Devils, a division one ice hockey team based in Gosport."

Elliot continued to play for the Devils for four years.

READ MORE: When The Vikings pillaged on Southampton's ice rink

During his last year at the club in 2021, he scored 36 goals and 11 assists, which was not only the most goals that season, but also the most goals by a player in the Devils' history at National Ice Hockey League 1 level (NIHL 1).

NHHL 1 is the highest amateur ice hockey league, just below professional ice hockey.

After an impressive season, Elliot was approached by a number of professional teams and was able to fulfil his lifelong dream of becoming a professional ice hockey player - signing for the Bristol Pitbulls last year.

He added: "After settling in at the Bristol Pitbulls, I was asked to trial for England in April 2021, for a one-off exhibition game against Denmark.

"To put on your own country's jersey, sing the national anthem and play against some of the best players in the world with the England badge on your chest is very special.

"I was able to score an assist despite the fact we lost the game."

Elliot's next challenge?

To reopen an ice rink in Southampton - as the previous one on Banister Road closed in 1988 - and to restart The Southampton Vikings, the city's former ice hockey club.

He said: "I want to give back to the ice hockey community of Southampton."