EXCITING ice hockey prospect Jake Radev has been hailed after being put through an intense Best of British training camp in Sheffield.

The five-year-old, who hails from Great Wakering, claimed the best development goalie accolade and was also awarded the prestigious effort and attitude award.

Dayle Keen, who is one of Europe’s elite junior coaches and oversees the Best of British junior development at camps, was full of praise for Jake.

Keen said: “I felt that Jake performed the whole week with a never quit attitude.

“Most five-year-olds would leave the ice and moan that they were tired.

“However, Jake just got on with business and practised really hard.

“He truly completed the camp with the best effort and attitude, so I felt he was the only option for the award.”

The Best of British training camps are regarded as some of the best on the continent.

And the five-day event proved to be extremely gruelling, with the up-and-coming ice hockey stars being put through five hours of ice time a day, along with physical conditioning and hockey education off the ice.

Goaltenders are required to focus for longer periods of time than outfield players, who regularly play 30 second shift patterns.

And Jake was overseen by goaltending guru Matt Darlow, along with Telford Tigers netminder Brad Day and Elite League side Manchester Storm’s Adam Long, at the camp.

Jake faced close to 5,000 shots from children of various ages, while he also enjoyed video analysis sessions, tutorials, skills tests and a full size ice hockey match on the final day.

And Jake was then able to end the week by winning two awards.

Jake is the first goaltender to have won the effort and attitude gong since the Best of British camps began 14 years ago.

Meanwhile, Jake has signed for the Chelmsford Cherokees’ under-nine team.

Jake is receiving group coaching under Martin Parfit, while experienced Chieftains netminder Ben Clements took the youngster through goaltender coaching in preparation for his first competitive club outing as a rookie.

Hayley Rosewell, who is based in Southend, sponsors Jake for treatment.

Jake is looking for further investment, with the priority being a courtesy vehicle to travel up and down the country.

If you are interested in sponsoring Jake, email justinpugh1975@hotmail.co.uk.