Royal Bay secondaryB次元官网网址檚 Kevin Smith says he was B次元官网网址渟hockedB次元官网网址� when he learned that heB次元官网网址檇 been named to CanadaB次元官网网址檚 U18 inline hockey team.
B次元官网网址淭o think about all of Canada and all of the people that probably tried outB次元官网网址ItB次元官网网址檚] definitely indescribable and IB次元官网网址檓 very excited to get going,B次元官网网址� he said.
Smith and his teammates will be far away from home by the time they hit the floor for the world championships, with this yearB次元官网网址檚 event taking place in Nanjing, China beginning on Aug. 24.
At the B.C. tryouts in early May, Smith admits he felt unsure of whether he could land a spot on the team while going up against ice hockey players from the Western Hockey League and Junior A.
The former Juan de Fuca midget player began playing inline hockey even before he laced up the skates and says he enjoys the pace of play when compared to the game on the ice.
B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 lots of room on the floor,B次元官网网址� he said, noting how itB次元官网网址檚 played with four skaters aside. B次元官网网址淚 like the patience [required] in roller hockey. Taking your time and setting up nice plays.B次元官网网址�
Smith plays roller hockey in an adult league at Eagle Ridge during the summer and on the ice heB次元官网网址檚 hoping to earn a spot in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League next season. HeB次元官网网址檚 already earned an invitation to the Victoria CougarsB次元官网网址� main camp after a successful spring showing and will be participating in the Westshore WolvesB次元官网网址� camp next month as well.
The 18 year-old soon-to-be Royal Bay graduate was eager to thank the school for its support and his coaches at Eagle Ridge.
B次元官网网址淭heyB次元官网网址檝e been really helping me with my skills and helping me progress as I got older.B次元官网网址�
As for the trip to China, Smith says he has never been on a plane, let alone overseas.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 going to be an interesting ride over there,B次元官网网址� he laughed.
The trip is a costly one, and Smith and his family have started a Go Fund Me page in order to raise money for the trip.
To help him reach his goal, log on to .
joel.tansey@goldstreamgazette.com
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