A TEESSIDE ice-hockey sensation has been signed by one of the world's leading college teams.

Michael Farn, formerly of the Billingham Bombers and Great Britain Under-18 teams, has signed for the Ellerton Eels college team in Tampa, Florida.

He travelled to the US last Thursday, the day after he received his visa, and has already played for the team in Memphis.

Michael will start his college work on Monday, but must also complete two or three hours of ice training a day, as well as cardio and weight training.

He will play in Denver and Illinois this month, and will return home in time for Christmas.

His father, Paul, said: "Florida is the hotbed of ice hockey worldwide at the moment. In the last two years, over 30,000 new players have registered with teams throughout Florida."