On the Rink 

Kirsty Heber-Smith becomes an ice hockey player for the day

 

Saving the day: James shows Kirsty how it's done

Our editor is always enthusiastic about us trying something new, but when he mentioned a training session with the Swindon npower Wildcats, I had to admit I was pretty nervous.

We thought we'd got out of ice skating after another of our journalists, Mel Turner-Wright, 'graced' the ice a few weeks ago – but we soon realised it was a poor excuse.

It was going to be embarrassing and there was nothing I could do about it.

So we made our way to the Link Centre to meet the team.

 

The Wildcats' next goaly?: James dons his well-needed protection

Nerves of steel: Kirsty prepares herself for a tough match

After getting suited and booted, with of course a gum shield in the SwindonWeb colours, I took to the ice – soon realising that there is an aggressive side to my personality.

I was hoping they'd take it easy on me, but after a collision with one of the Wildcats (which wasn't my fault!), their coach Pete Russell dragged me off to the sin bin.

Getting aggressive: Kirsty doesn't know  her own strength

Meanwhile, as I received my penance for foul play, our sports reporter James Fothergill was showing off in goal.

Spending just an hour on the ice with the boys made me realise the real intensity of the game – and I have to admit, I was finding it hard to keep up.

So James and I admitted defeat, leaving it to the professionals.

Oh well, it was fun while it lasted!