Ice-cool Nicole excels in the heat of battle

CHADDERTON’S Nicole Jackson has just missed an international ice hockey gold medal as her Great Britain side lost a shoot-out against hosts Italy.

At the International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championship tournament in Asiago, Italy, former Manchester Phoenix junior Jackson (21) represented GB as the team bid to win a climb to Division One (Group ‘B’) level of world competition.

Six countries took part and after wins against Australia (6-2), New Zealand (2-0) and Korea (3-1), and a 4-1 defeat by Poland, Jackson’s GB team progressed to their promotion decider against the Italians.

The hosts edged home in a tense final game, leaving sports science student Jackson and her team-mates with the silver medal.

There was consolation for the Oldham ace: Jackson was ranked number one goalkeeper of the tournament, and the Team GB Supporters’ Club named her player of the tournament.

The former Beech House School pupil – who now has 23 GB caps – said: “Though the end result was disappointing, it was another great experience for me personally.

“It was the fourth World Championships I’ve competed in, and this time I performed much more consistently than I had ever done previously.

“All the games were so tough and so close. I was shattered after each match, but I enjoyed every minute of being involved in such a prestigious tournament.”