Casey blazing Traill for GB squad again
WHITLEY Bay ice hockey queen Casey Traill has received another international call-up.
Traill, who studies at Castleton University in the United States, has been selected for the Great Britain women’s squad for the forthcoming World Championships.
She will travel to Slovenia for the Division Two Group A campaign later this month.
Great Britain had a successful campaign at the Worlds last year, winning a bronze medal .
Traill said: “It is a great honour to be selected for the squad this year, especially as the competition was extremely tough for places.
“With so much talent being displayed throughout the selection process I was honestly surprised I received the call-up, but I am extremely proud to be able to put the GB jersey on again this year.
“I am looking forward to the World Championships and cannot wait to get out on the ice with the rest of the girls - and hopefully bring home a medal to show for all the hard work we have all been putting in.”
Traill, studying for a Master of Science in Athletic Training, will go up against Australia, DPR Korea, Mexico, Netherlands and hosts Slovenia in a bid for world glory.
She added: “I think to beat any of the teams in the World Championships we will have to be playing our best as a team.
“Our toughest competition will come from the Netherlands, who beat us to the silver medal last year.
“They are a strong team but I think with the diverse and skilled team we have this year we have a strong chance of beating them and coming out on top.”
Traill went on: “Ice hockey is going great over in America.
“This year was my first year playing at a university level and it was tough playing with girls up to five years older than me who all can play at such a high standard.
“I have learnt a lot his season alone and have become a better and more well-rounded player because of the opportunity I have.”
Simon Leach, head of junior development at Whitley Bay Ice Hockey Club said: “Although Casey left us in 2015 we are proud of the progress she has made since she has made the transition from her hockey career in Whitley Bay across to North America.
“To be selected again to represent GB’s senior women’s team at this year’s World Championships is another fantastic achievement for her in her career.
“To hit these heights at such a young age is testament to her drive and determination to succeed.”
Gb head coach Cheryl Smith said: “This was a tough squad for the coaching staff to pick as the competition for places was so intense.
“Our training camps have been very competitive and we are really pleased with the squad for the World Championships.
“We think it is a very exciting squad and we have strength right across the board.”
The opening fixture of the Worlds is on Saturday, March 31 with the final match on Friday, April 6.