LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For one hour, twice a week, the Louisville Ice Cardinals lace up their skates and hit the ice. It’s this consistent hard work on home turf that’s now sending the team to an away game far from the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
A recent win in Fort Wayne, Indiana punched their ticket to the North American Silver Stick Tournament finals in Ontario, Canada. The 10U players have become the first Kentucky team to do so.
“Obviously they’re getting ready for Canada so they’ve got to work hard every single practice to be able to keep up with these Canadians that are on the ice all year,” said Coach Niel Randall.
Originally from Chicago, Randall grew up playing hockey. And 30 years ago competed in the same tournament that his son Max will get to play in now.
“To get my kid into the same sport that I grew up playing, played in college, and then to see him be able to get up to Canada and have that core memory that I have, I mean I was ten years old, I still remember it to this day every single thing about Canada,” Randall said.
Boys and girls play alongside each other at this level of youth hockey. Each kid puts their all into the game they love, and it’s rewarded them with the experience of a lifetime.
“It’s nice to see my hard work pay off,” said player Brooks Moore
“It’s a dream,” said teammate James Powers.
Instilling the life lesson sports teach best. Dedication delivers results.
The Ice Cardinals will travel to Canada next month for the international tournament.
The winning team has its players’ names displayed in the Hockey Hall of Fame, in Toronto.