ICE HOCKEY: ONE OF Solihull’s hidden sporting talents shined on the continent last week when representing Team GB Under 18s in an international four-team tournament in Budapest.
Amy Trueman has been playing ice hockey for almost four years and if she’s not studying in the classroom at Solihull Sixth Form College she’ll be found either coaching at Solihull ice rink or playing herself.
The 16-year-old, who made her Team GB debut earlier this year, was selected once again to represent her nation in a four-team tournament between Poland, Spain and hosts Hungary.
Despite losing their opening games 10-0 and 11-0, Team GB bounced back to scoop third place in the tournament with a 4-2 win over Spain – a game in which Trueman scooped the prestigious ‘Player of the Game’ award.
On return from Hungary, Trueman said her hockey career started almost four years ago – and she takes inspiration from her dad who used to skate himself.
She added: “I’ve done plenty of sports in my childhood however ice hockey is the only thing I have stuck to and my hard work has paid off.
“My dad used to play hockey but I never took interest in the sport as a youngster because he gave it up and subsequently hockey wasn’t a massive part of our family life anymore.
“However my dad said let’s get back into it so me and my brother Jake both tried it and now I’m staying at it.”
Amy not only ices for her national team, but she also plays against boys her age and older as well as lining up in the Solihull Vixens – who compete in the Women’s Elite League.
The former Lode Heath student admits her ice time with the Vixens is helping her career progress as Solihull skater Katie Henry was named Team GB captain earlier this month.
Amy said: “I play lots of hockey and if I’m not at school I’ll be at the rink.
“The Team GB staff have been amazing, sometimes it can be tough skating for the national team as there’s so much competition on ice you’re competing against each other.
“Our coaches aren’t just there as your instructors, but also there to talk to as well – I can’t stress how good they are.
“Playing in the Elite League has been a big boost for me, I’m getting plenty of ice time and learning from some of Team GB’s best ice hockey players.”
After successfully completing her Level 1 Coaching course for hockey, Amy is now hoping to teach the young talent coming through in the borough.
She described the youth scene at Solihull ice centre and admitted there’s plenty to be excited about.
She said: “There are so many young girls coming through and I’m incredibly proud of them.
“Some of them come up to me and say that I’m there inspiration which is surreal – sometimes it can all get too much for me.
“There’s plenty of travelling involved in the sport but I love playing and wouldn’t change it for anything.”
