This month marks the beginning of the new youth roller hockey season at Kings Sports Centre.
Cayman’s revamped youth program is heading into its second season under Evan Ellbogen, the sports program director from Montreal, Canada. Last season saw an increase in players and skill development within the league. Both of those facts came to the fore during recent international play for Cayman Islands youngsters in Florida. Kings sent three teams to Fort Myers, Florida, to compete in the NARCh Regionals tournament in which all three teams won a medal and solidified their place at the NARCh Finals in Estero, Florida.
The NARCh Finals, held at Germain Arena, is one of the largest roller hockey tournaments in North America. The tournament boasts the best talent from all over the world, and the Cayman teams represented their country by winning two silver medals in both the Atom and Mite divisions. Josh Small was among the tournament’s scoring champions. Indeed, Cayman has made significant strides, in a short time, in the sport of international in-line hockey. Ellbogen says that bodes well for the hockey’s future in Cayman.
“I take pride in our international success, especially the work ethic that the young players bring to the game,” Ellbogen said. “It takes a lot of effort and sacrifice to compete at a high level, and every time the kids come to the rink they come ready to compete.
“As important as overseas tournaments are to our program, the recreational league at Kings Sports Centre provides our strong foundation on which we thrive.”
He added, “Last year’s success was made possible by the numerous volunteer coaches, as well as our influential sponsors Ernst and Young, Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, Burger King, Conyers Dill and Pearman, Ecay Trade, Solomon Harris, and last but certainly not least, A.L.Thompson’s.”
This year, Ellbogen aims to continue the growth of the program, while building on the players’ skill development.
“The players have significantly improved their level of play, and with continued focus on skating and stick skills, they will undoubtedly challenge the best teams at next year’s NARCh Finals,” he said.
Games started last Saturday at Kings and continue every weekend.
For more information, contact Evan Ellbogen at [email protected].
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