Youth hockey players in the Cayman Islands recently got a chance to hit the streets.
Hundreds of kids would flock to the Arts and Recreation Centre for the second annual Camana Bay street hockey tournament over the weekend. Put on by the Cayman Islands Youth Roller Hockey Club, the fundraiser benefits local hockey and the Cayman Hospice Care and UNICEF Cayman Kids charities.
Among those that took part in the all-day affair was Dylan Bostock, 13. The Savannah resident is no stranger to hockey having played in the Logic Youth Roller Hockey League at Kings Sports Centre for five years. The son of businessman and sports enthusiast Stuart Bostock states he enjoys playing outdoors.
“This year’s event was a lot better than last year,” Bostock said. “Street hockey is rougher than regular roller but I’ll keep playing out here every year. I still do roller and I’m a goalie. My season starts in February and I’ll be playing in the Pee-Wee (13 and Under) and Bantom (17U) divisions as there are not enough goalies.”
Bostock was one of several notable youth hockey players in the tournament. All played in four individual rinks, sponsored by BritCay, Camana Bay, Dart Foundation and Ernst and Young, adjacent to the recreation centre. The competing kids were aged 4-15.
One of them was Ben Black, 11. The Cayman Prep student states the competition was a good excuse to get away from homework.
“It’s really rough but fun,” Black said. “It’s nice to get out, I was doing an essay the morning of the tournament. I’d come out and play street again next year.
“I really like hockey, I started playing awhile ago. I’ve played hockey for six years as a forward and defenceman though I really like defence.”
The street hockey tournament also saw numerous fundraising initiatives. Among them was a silent auction with items such as a one-month CrossFit membership, a Bubba Tailgate propane grill from Home Gas and a Florida Panthers signed jersey. Those endeavours figure to raise loads of money as last year’s efforts generated over US$10,000.
Then again, for youngsters like Cayman Prep student Will Edwards, 13, the competition is all about an introduction to hockey.
“I’m happy I went out and played as I normally do rugby and football,” Edwards said. “I like street hockey but I suck at roller. I don’t know if I’d go do that or ball hockey as I don’t have enough time.”
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