DEAN Skinns set a new record for the Elite League on Saturday, when he became the youngest player in its history to back-stop his side to victory.

The 19-year-old netminder was called into action after Canadian Curtis Cruickshank was injured the night before in the game against the Nottingham Panthers.

For the Basingstoke-born goalie it was his first league start since February 2002, but he maintained an impressive record as a starting netminder for his home town team as the Bison won 5-4 in overtime.

Prior to the London game, Skinns had started five other league matches and only been on the losing side once.

However, it did not all go to plan against London, who scored their opening goal after just 29 seconds but, in the end, as well as celebrating a win, Skinns also picked up the man-of-the-match award.

The teenage goalie said: "I was caught cold with the first goal, but after I had saved a couple of shots I got into the game, but it was difficult as for long periods I had nothing to do."

He added: "When the game went into overtime I was just hoping I didn't let the winner in, but everything turned out okay."

His fellow goalie Cruickshank had only praise for his performance and said: "The young lad has done well and I am pleased for him that we have won the game."

The previous night, Skinns was called into action against Nottingham, playing part of the first period and then the whole of the game from 24:59.

This proved to be another triumph as he also picked up the man-of-the-match award in that match, turning away a fist full of shots from the top Nottingham forwards.

Skinns said: "That was a great experience I really enjoyed playing in the big arena, and it was great to get the man-of-the-match award."

Earlier in the season, the young goalie hoped he might get a chance to play in the three big arenas of the Elite League and has not been disappointed. Playing in Nottingham completed the set as he has already appeared in Sheffield and Belfast.