After terrorising defences up and down the country as the Islanders enjoyed their best ever Englsih National League season, hot-shot Holland has just been handed the chance of a lifetime.

The 20-year-old centre this week discovered he has won a contract with Tulsa Rampage in the Junior A League, but unlike winsome warbler Gene Pitney - whose famous ballad was written for him - Holland plans to compose his own winning tune.

Despite having already played in America two years ago at high school in Ohio, Holland knows there is much more hanging on his latest trans-Atlantic adventure after six years playing hockey in Peterborough.

"I found out this week that I have been offered a contract with Tulsa which was really exciting but also quite nerve-wracking at the same time," said Holland.

"After a great season with the Islanders I decided I wanted to have a real go at making a career for myself in the same and this is the best route to do it. I sent my CV to quite a few teams and got quite a few replies back but Tulsa sounded the best offer and I am really excited about heading off later this summer. Hopefully it will be the next step in my career, if I do well I can earn a scholarship at a University to play hockey and from there my opportunities in the game will increase immensely."

Holland's coach at Tulsa will be former Chelmsford Chieftains player Chad McLoud, another coach the youngster hopes can help him achieve his ultimate goal.

Holland said: "When I found out that Chad was the coach I decided to go as I know him and of course he is used to working with British players which will be a great advantage for me.

"Having been helped out by great coaches like Stevie Johnson, Tim Peacock and Jesse Hammill in Peterborough, I am hoping Chad can help me onto the next level. My ultimate aim is to make the grade in Europe as a professional as I think getting into the NHL in America is probably a pretty long shot - but you never know."

And one man who is backing Holland to make the most of his opportunity is Islanders coach Hammill who has helped nurture the Lincolnshire lad's burgeoning talent this season.

"Jamie is a very talented and hard working player and while we are upset to lose him we are all pleased that he has taken this next step," he said.

"It is going to be tough for him but he has the attitude and talent to make a real go of it out there and all of us at Islanders are hoping he makes the grade - good luck to him."