Royal Bay secondary’s Kevin Smith says he was “shocked” when he learned that he’d been named to Canada’s U18 inline hockey team.
“To think about all of Canada and all of the people that probably tried out…[It’s] definitely indescribable and I’m very excited to get going,” 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 year’s 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.
“There’s lots of room on the floor,” he said, noting how it’s played with four skaters aside. “I like the patience [required] in roller hockey. Taking your time and setting up nice plays.”
Smith plays roller hockey in an adult league at Eagle Ridge during the summer and on the ice he’s hoping to earn a spot in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League next season. He’s already earned an invitation to the Victoria Cougars’ main camp after a successful spring showing and will be participating in the Westshore Wolves’ 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.
“They’ve been really helping me with my skills and helping me progress as I got older.”
As for the trip to China, Smith says he has never been on a plane, let alone overseas.
“It’s going to be an interesting ride over there,” 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 bit.ly/2rskdVQ.
joel.tansey@goldstreamgazette.com
Twitter: @joelgazette