Ice hockey: Kingston net Britain's minder

Kingston Hawks, of the National Premier League, have landed a coup by signing Great Britain's netminder, Bill Morrison, from the Superleague side Basingstoke Bison.

The 32-year-old Scottish-born Canadian will make his debut for Hawks tonight against the league leaders, Swindon.

He will take over as the Hawks' No 1 keeper from Dave Rook, who has a long-term injury. Joe Watkins, 16, will revert to role of understudy despite being named player of the week.

The Hawks coach, Keith Milhench, said: "It's great to have on board a player of Morrison's class and I'm really happy he decided to join us. It's a boost to our defence and I'm confident he'll do a superb job for us. It's not every day that you get the chance to sign up international- class players and Bill will add valuable experience to our team."

Morrison will line up for Great Britain against Slovenia in an Olympic Games qualifier next Tuesday, and the national coach, Peter Woods, also the coach of the Basingstoke Bison, says his move to the Hawks will not affect his future international prospects.

"He's still involved in the international scene and I can't see his move hindering that," he added.

Woods believed that the reason for Morrison's move was simple: "He has been sharing the netminding duties with Richard Gallance all season, and I guess that he wanted more ice time," Woods said. "I can understand that. He goes with our blessing and support. He's been a good servant to the club."