Sophie Herbert.
ICE HOCKEYAN Island ice hockey star has been picked for the Great Britain senior women’s squad.
Sophie Herbert, 16, has quietly been working through the ranks to be selected for the team.
The Ryde High School student earned a spot in Great Britain under-18s squad in February, and in September she took part in a tournament in Canada with the England under-16 girls’ ice hockey team, scoring three goals.
She was unaware, however, that the GB women’s team had been watching her play since May, and when she returned from Canada, she got the call.
After being sworn to silence until now, Sophie is now packing her bags to join the team in France for a tournament, on December 20.
Wightlink-sponsored Sophie has also been awarded a scholarship from the government-funded Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme, which will give her the assistance and support needed to achieve her highest possible goals within ice hockey.
Sophie attended her first training session with the Wightlink Raiders earlier this week, which she thoroughly enjoyed.
Sophie’s father, Neil, said: "Sophie is proof to all youngsters that with hard work and dedication it is truly possible to achieve the highest level in sport. Too often, young Island athletes find it hard to keep motivated and Sophie is proof that dreams do come true.
"We are very proud of what she has done."
Sophie is planning to promote ice hockey on the Island to girls and boys by visiting schools to highlight the fitness and social benefits of the sport.
Anyone interested in finding out more can contact Sue Herbert 07739 864351.
Aidan is a shot closer too
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| Young ice hockey star Aidan Doughty has made the South West of England under-15 squad. Picture by Robin Crossley. |
HOT-SHOT Aidan Doughty has been selected for the South West of England under-15s squad.
Aidan, 14, a Sandown High pupil who regularly scores for the Island’s under-16s team, went through four trials to be selected and is the only player from the Southern B League to make the final cut.
Of 62 youngsters who originally trialled from the region’s ten teams, only 22 made squad.The team will now train throughout the winter, at either Bracknell, Swindon or Basingstoke, and in March the team is cut down to 17 players for their first tournament.
His father, Geoff, said: "He has done exceptionally well to get this far. For him it is the culmination of six years of training and dedication.
"It is also very good for the IW as it shows B league players can make the grade in junior hockey."
Aidan is now looking for more sponsorship to help with travel expenses, and anyone wishing to help can find out more by e-mailing Geoff on doughty471@aol.com.
Reporter: sport@iwcpmail.co.uk