PRACTICE makes perfect for borough teenager Amy Trueman who will make her Great Britain Under-18s debut at the World Ice Hockey Championships in Austria at the start of January.
The 15-year-old Lode Heath student has surpassed all expectations and will take on nations including Italy, Austria, Poland and Australia as GB aim to take gold medal in the Women’s World Championship Division One qualifying event.
Great Britain’s campaign starts on Wednesday (January 6) in Radenthein at the Nockhalle ice rink before further games against Poland, Austria and Australia the following days.
A competitive sportswoman, Trueman told The Observer that sport has always been a part of her life however it is Ice Hockey that runs through her blood and she cannot wait for the challenges ahead.
She added: “I started playing Ice Hockey three years ago – 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.”
Trueman currently plays for more than one team and plans to break into the Great Britain Women’s team in the future.
“I had three trials in total for GB selection,” said Trueman.
“When I was selected for the World Championships I couldn’t believe it – my first reaction was to go and ask my coaches for a hug.
“I play 14 games a season on average and compete with the boys on a regular basis – I really wouldn’t change it for anything.”
When quizzed about the structure and support of women’s ice hockey, Trueman had nothing but praise and encouraged any teenage girl to take up the sport just like she did.
The 15-year-old added: “Women’s hockey is on the up – we’ve had games televised and the sport takes place nationally around the world.
“I’d definitely encourage other teenage girls to take up hockey – you don’t know what you’re missing out on, it’s great fun and you get a real buzz from playing.”
For more information about women’s ice hockey, visit www.icehockeyuk.co.uk
