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Two young ice hockey players from Caerphilly are preparing to make a semi-final appearance for the Cardiff Canucks this weekend in the club’s debut season.

Harvey Rose and Jaydon Ford were both just seven-years-old when they started playing ice hockey for Cardiff Junior Devils, and have since represented every age group through to the under-18s.

Their success in that time as teammates has seen them travel around the world, most recently during a trip to New York where they played against some of America’s best.

Looking to bridge that gap between youth ice hockey and the men’s game, Canadian-born former NHL pro Trevor Hendrikx, who also now lives in Caerphilly, formed the Cardiff Canucks.

The Canucks are a mix of youth and senior players, but went into this first season head-on up against full senior sides.

Hendrikx’s gamble has paid off though, with his side through to the semi-finals of the National Ice Hockey League Two South playoffs.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer about the season, Hendrikx said: “It’s been a very exciting, but tough one when you’ve got 16-year-olds playing against guys in their 30s.

“We’ve done great though, and after winning last weekend we’ve got Peterborough away on Saturday before a big home match on the Sunday night.”

Asked how his side makes up for gap in physicality and experience, Hendrikx said: “That’s the challenge. Our setup is very different to most sides who might train once or twice a week.

“We like to train every morning and brought in some key veterans to help the youngsters get up to speed.”

Talking about 16-year-old Ford, coach Hendrikx, a former Cardiff Devils player, said: “He won fan favourite this year and has been great.

“I always say he’s like a spark plug; full of energy and works hard. He’s got plenty of skill too.”

On Rose, he added: “Harvey has really developed this season. He’s a great skater and a great shot. He’s also really tough to play against.”

Hendrikx added how 29-year-old player Viktor Langseth, from Sweden, also lives in Caerphilly, joking: “We’re very Caerphilly-based as you can tell.”

Considered the most watched indoor sport in the UK, Hendrikx said his aim is to get his players ready to compete for the best ice hockey sides in the country.

“Our ethos here is to develop players as best we can before they head off into the men’s game. It can be a tough transition and hopefully the Canucks can help with that.

“We’ve already had a lot of players leave here on contracts elsewhere, and I’ve had top clubs calling asking for players because they like the way we do things.”

Ford and Rose are two examples of this youth pathway, with both signing contracts for Milton Keynes Thunder.

Hendrikx will be hoping for a big performance from his side this weekend, who face the Peterborough Phantoms away on Saturday night before the home leg the following day.

He added: “Tickets are free on the Sunday and we always get a good crowd through the door. I’d love to see more people there for our biggest game of the season.”

Tickets for the match can be reserved online.