Set against the cold, stark, white backdrop of the ice, the modern-day gladiators enrobed ready for battle take to the rink, producing theatre and spectacle at an electric pace.

With their weekly training beginning at 10:30pm, and not finishing until midnight, British ice hockey team, the Chelmsford Nighthawks truly do fly by night.

Following multiple journeys out to Essex, I set up my make-shift studio as close to the bench as possible and shot a series of portraits of the players toward the end of their tiring, non-stop training sessions.

The players are portrayed as individuals, many parts to the team's ensemble, by way of their personal confidence, playing style and choice of wearing their particular favourite team's jersey.

The focus and determination in the eyes, the beads of sweat dripping down the faces and their distinctly strong work ethic are elements that bind these unique characters together as one succinct unit.