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Double delight for ice hockey star Casey
ICE AND EASY DOES IT ... hockey starlet Casey Traill is causing a stir in the hockey world with her performances.
A SPORTY South Tyneside schoolgirl is skating her way to ice hockey honours.
Casey Traill, 12, has been a fan of the game since seeing top American stars in action when she was only four.
Now she’s savouring a double delight after being told she has been selected to play for the North of England Under-13 ice hockey team in a tournament in Hull in May, as well as being picked to represent the Northern Conference Under-16 girls’ team after recent trials in Sheffield.
Casey, from South Shields, said: “I’m really pleased and honoured to have been selected for both sides, and I’m really excited at playing for new teams and meeting new friends.
“I enjoy the mixed matches as well as the all-girls’ games. The regional tournament is a new challenge I’m looking forward to.”
Casey first became interested in ice hockey during a family holiday to America. Now she trains three times a week.
She added: “When I was four, I went to a Boston Bruins game in America and loved the energy and excitement.
“At home, there was a game at the Metro Arena where young prospects were asked to try it out. I signed up, and haven’t regretted it once.
“Playing with friends makes it even more fun. I don’t mind the body-checking and slamming even when I’m defending against big lads, because there is plenty of safety gear.
“I enjoy reading the game as defenseman because there is a chance to score too.” Casey, a Year 8 pupil at King’s School in Tynemouth, hones her skills by playing for a number of teams throughout the region, where she competes against boys.
She is one of two girls playing for Billingham mixed Under-16 team, and the only girl playing for Billingham mixed Under-14 team. She also skates out for Whitley Bay girls Under-16s.
But it’s not just on ice where she is excelling.
Casey also scored nine of the goals which made King’s the North Tyneside Under-13 hockey champions this week. King’s hockey coach, Shona Smith, said: “Casey has a fantastic attitude, and willingly plays in any position on the team.
“She anticipates and intercepts the ball, well and bravely takes on players one on one.
“Her close control and speed are excellent. We’re not surprised at her success, but we’re really pleased for her.”
Busy Casey, is not just an ice queen, as she is also training for a black belt in Ju-jitsu.
Twitter: @shieldsgazette
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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