Vakare Scores a Place at U12’s Ice Hockey Nationals
Ice Hockey enthusiast Vakare in Year 7 joined her Leeds Junior Knights teammates in Cambridge last weekend for the U12’s Junior National Finals 2023.
The amazing opportunity saw Vakare and the rest of her team up against other top teams in the country to participate in the weekend long competition. Taking part at Cambridge Ice Arena, the spectacle welcomed a roster of 8 teams to navigate through the group stages in the hopes of reaching the finals on Sunday.
It was a tough first match for the Junior Knights as they were paired against eventual competition winners; Sheffield. Despite a defeat, the Leeds team showed fantastic teamwork and were praised for their fighting spirit.
Results on the ice didn’t go their way over the course of the weekend, however, reaching the Nationals is an incredible achievement in itself. The whole weekend provided a wealth of experience and plenty of opportunity for the team to learn. Vakare’s positive attitude and praise for her teammates never dwindled as she relished her time at the competition. She was particularly happy to share the event with even more girls on her team. After initially being the only girl on the team, Vakare is passionate about encouraging even more girls to try the sport.
“We lost all 3 of the matches but we were up against the best teams in England. I still had a great time and was very pleased to just be there.” – Vakare, Year 7
Well done to Vakare and all the Leeds Junior Knights.