Two of the Island?s leading football talents return to Bermuda next week having made a strong impression in Canada.

Domico Coddington and Zane Hendrickson spent the summer representing Durham Storm in the Canadian Pro Soccer League?s (CPSL) Eastern Conference, distinguishing themselves so much that other clubs have indicated interest in signing them.

However, they are on Storm?s ?protected list? meaning that opposing outfits would only be able to buy them from the Toronto club if the move was sanctioned by the owner.

The pair, who have been overseas since late May, have helped Storm ? who endured a miserable 2003 season ? to mid-table standings out of about a dozen clubs and, with two remaining league games, they could finish as high as third.

The versatile Coddington, who on the team?s website is listed as a defender, has netted the most goals for Storm, scoring on at least ten occasions while his goalkeeping compatriot has been sterling between the uprights.

Hendrickson, who captained the club for much of the year, was sidelined for four games in mid-season with bruised ribs after an on-field collision also involving a team-mate and an opponent.

Since resuming action last month, the 21-year-old North Village custodian has played five matches, all of which Storm have won with Hendrickson excelling ? conceding just three goals.

?It?s been a good choice and a good experience and it?s helped my game become better, playing with new guys and training more than we train back home.

?Sometimes we train every day or all day. That?s the main difference ? the training,? noted Hendrickson.

Both he and Coddington acknowledged the CPSL?s playing standard was higher than Bermuda?s and that being in a professional domain had improved their performances. Still Coddington ? who earlier this week was summoned for senior national team duty by new coach Kyle Lightbourne ? believes he could have done ?even better?, saying ?I haven?t played as hard as I can but I am getting there?.

One benefit to their local clubs is that next Thursday the Bermudians return home match-fit and raring to show what they have learnt up north.

?I have been fit all through the summer so when I come back home I will be ready to play,? noted Coddington, a vital cog in Devonshire Cougars? line-up.

Hendrickson, too, is eager to turn out for Village. He was disappointed the Rams were booted out of the Martonmere Cup on Tuesday night but consoled himself with the fact that they clinched the Charity Cup.

While their Canadian stint was financially rewarding and mutually pleasing to both players and club, the duo are unsure of a return to Canada next season as they are eyeing options elsewhere.

?I?m looking to play at a higher level like in Europe or somewhere like that but it depends on how things go and what opportunities I get,? said 20-year-old Coddington, mentioning the recent trials of fellow national players in England.

?I would like to go to England,? he added with Hendrickson expressing similar ambitions.