North Ayrshire: Emma Lamberton stars in World Championships

And in light of the tournament, there is no doubt that the local starlet's performances will remain in the memory of many as well.

Emma has been a player with North Ayrshire Wild since joining the club's 'learn to play' academy as a six-year-old and has worked hard, perfecting her trade through the age groups to the under-19s where she now plays.

Her outstanding commitment and undoubted talent has seen her recognised on the international stage, earning a call to the Great British girls under-18 side at the end of last year to play in a four nations tournament.

After being named her national team's player of the tournament on that occasion, she earned another call to feature for GB in the World Championships, which took place in the Netherlands last month.

Great Britain were in division II, group A for the tournament, and once again the talented North Ayrshire athlete put in some outstanding performances.

The first game was against Kazakhstan where Emma and her team mates proudly put there clubs on the map.

An impressive performance by the team saw them skate out 4-0 winners with Emma getting an assist as she cut in superbly from the right to allow fellow Scot from Kilmarnock JIHC Ruby Newlands to score on the backhand.

Next up was China where the scoreline did not go in favour of Great Britain as they lost 6-2.

However, Emma did have a phenomenal game where she assisted on the first goal for Great Britain and bagged the second one herself. In recognition of her efforts she was awarded the player of the game award.

After a rest day, the girls returned to the ice to face the host nation. GB made it two wins from three after a superb 4-0 win for the second time in the tournament. The win for GB moved them onto six points in third place in the group.

The team had a further day off before their return to the ice where if results went their way they could earn a second place finish in the tournament.

A win in the first of their final two matches, defeating Latvia 3-1, saw the team sitting pretty in the table, meaning a win in their final match would secure silver.

Up against a good side from Turkey the girls were desperate to secure the medal, and a fantastic display saw them run in nine goals to do exactly that.

In another fantastic tournament, Emma racked up one goal and three assists accumulating to four points over the five games as well as a player of the game award.

On her return, North Ayrshire Wild's Craig Crozier caught up with Emma and her parents Jamie and Dawn to see how the experience was as a whole.

Emma commented: "The last two weeks have been the best! I couldn't have wished for a better group of people to share the experience with.

"I have loved every moment and will forever cherish the amazing memories I have made."

While her proud parents added: "It was brilliant to watch Emma playing at that level. Her dedication to the sport and all the extra training she has done are what has allowed her to achieve her dreams.

"Hopefully, this is just the start of her international career."

Those who have helped guide Emma on her journey at North Ayrshire Wild were also beaming with pride after her latest national team showings.

Head coach Domenico De Simone said: "The club are immensely proud of Emma's achievements in Holland with the Great Britain U18 team. To leave as part of a silver medalling team from a difficult group is incredible.

"Her goal and assists across all games showed her contribution along with her never ending energy and effort. 

"I am very excited to see where Emma's journey takes her, she has shown that she can compete with the best.

"The North Ayrshire Wild are delighted for Emma and we want to help provide her all she needs in her efforts to progress on the international stage."