Sport is booming in Bristol as today the city welcomes the return of professional ice hockey for the first time in 17 years – and prepares for the next step in its bid to stage World Cup football in 2018.

At 5.55pm the Bristol Pitbulls will pad up and face off against the Wightlink Tigers in the English National League Cup in front of a 300-strong crowd, intent on re-igniting interest in 'rugby on ice' at the Bristol rink on Frogmore Street.

And it will herald the start of a crunch week for the city with inspectors from the England 2018 World Cup bid team due to tour Bristol on Thursday to test its credentials as a host venue.

As from today the city once again boasts professional representatives from the fastest team sport in the world on its CV and is eager to add "2018 World Cup host venue" as well.

Recognising the importance of the 2018 tournament to the further development of sport in the city, and the benefits to local businesses and tourism, the Pitbull's player/manager Rich Hargreaves and his new recruits have added their name to the cause.

"Football is a massive sport here in England, it's the national sport, just as hockey is in Canada," said Mr Hargreaves. "The good thing about Bristol is it's big enough to cater for everything in the World Cup. The facilities are fantastic and being able to have it on your doorstep is something you'll tell your grand kids when you're older.

"Having Bristol as somewhere where the World Cup is going to come is going to attract people from all over the world and encourage people into all sports.

While Mr Hargreaves is rubbing his hands at the possibility of his Fantasy Football team players turning out in Bristol come 2018, his more immediate enthusiasm is focused on the fruition of a lifelong dream to run a professional ice hockey team in his home town.

"It is an exciting moment because it has been something that has been overdue for 17 years," said 30-year-old Mr Hargreaves. "I never had the chance to play professionally here so to have a team here now is great and it is good for the city. It used to be very popular before it disbanded. The kids now have a senior pro team to progress to when they turn 18."

On Sunday the Pitbulls play the return leg against Wightlink Tigers on the Isle of Wight (5.30pm face off) and start their league campaign at home to the Slough Jets on Saturday September 19.

Last weekend Division 2 Pitbulls lost 7-4 to Division 1 Oxford Stars in Bristol on Saturday then avenged the defeat 24 hours later in Oxford, winning 6-4.

● Register your support for Bristol's 2018 World Cup bid at www.thisisbristol.co.uk/worldcup and follow the bid's progress on Twitter @ Bristol2018

● Cheer on the Pitbulls' first competitive match against Wightlink Tigers today at the Bristol ice rink, Frogmore Street.

Doors open 5.20pm, Face off 5.55pm, Tickets: Adults £6 – Children £3 – Concessions £4.50 – Family £15.