ICE HOCKEY prodigy Thomas Larkin earned his first taste of international competition when he took to the ice in Finland for Europe’s premier junior tournament.

The 14-year-old pupil from Trinity Catholic High School, in Woodford, came through a gruelling selection process to earn his place in the South East Conference team for the trip to Turku, just north of Helsinki.

There, Thomas and his team-mates were pitted against top sides from as far afield as Canada and Russia.

Any celebrations were put on ice, however, as England’s only representatives were beaten in each of their five games.

Despite the loss, Thomas did manage to get on the scoresheet in one of the matches, and he insisted he enjoyed the experience.

“It was a high standard and a lot of fun,” said the youngster. “It was good to get there, because I had to go through three rounds of trials before I was selected for the final squad of 18.”

The team’s achievements certainly did not match their commitment to the cause. Their preparation for the event consisted of one training session a month at the ungodly hour of 11.15pm to 12.45am.

However, Thomas was only too happy to oblige, as he bids to fulfil his ultimate goal of one day competing in North America’s National Hockey League.

“I’d love to become a professional, but there aren’t that many from England who make it,” he said.

The early signs are good, though, as Thomas has already racked up an incredible tally of 38 goals in just 11 games this season for Lee Valley’s U16s team in the South League, including a hat-trick against Chelmsford last week.

Not content with being the star of the show, the forward has already stepped up to train with the U18 team, which he admits poses more of a challenge.

“It is quite an easy level at U16s. It’s more intense with the U18s and I prefer that, but I can’t step up to senior level until I’m 17.”