Fraser’s keen to get his skates on again
ICE hockey prospect Thomas Fraser found the coronavirus pandemic more frustrating than most – after missing out on a potential first GB call-up, writes TONY HODGSON.
The Whitley Warriors forward attended trials for the national under-18 side in Sheffield just before Christmas.
He had high hopes of making the squad for the World Under-18 Championshps in Estonia this May – only for the event to be called off as the pandemic continued to bite.
However, the 17-year-old North Tynesider has shrugged off that disappointment and is now relishing the prospect of impressing both club and country when he returns to the ice.
The sports science student said: “!t was a great honour to be asked to go down to the trials and very exciting.
“It was a tremendous experience and I felt I did well and was in with a chance of making the squad.
“It was very frustrating when the Worlds were called off.
“Especially as it would have been my first Great Britain call-up if I had been selected.”
Fraser was just starting to make his mark in the senior Warriors side when the pandemic struck.
He made the breakthrough at senior level in 2019 after scoring prolifically for the club’s under-18 and under-20 teams.
He was given his chance by Warriors’ coach David Longstaff (pictured right) and did not disappoint in helping the Hillheadsbased team to title glory that year.
Fraser scored twice as Longstaff’s side lifted the North League One title by seven points, winning 22 of its 24 games.
The youngster also played for the Warriors in the English Ice Hockey Association North Cup.
He again found the target as the coast side reached the final – only to lose in overtime to Milton Keynes in the decider.
However, 2020 proved all but a write-off – leaving the starlet, like many sportsmen and women, to try and keep in shape at home.
Fraser added: “It has been very difficult not being able to be on the ice as much as normal.
“I was hoping to really establish myself in the Warriors team and try and kick on after a great year in 2019.
“I just tried to keep myself fit and active and the fact I am studyng to be a personal trainer helped with the fitness regime I had.
“I am determined to keep myself in the best possible shape so I am ready to go when the action starts again.”
On 2021 and beyond, Fraser said: “I want to make a real statement with the Warriors, show then what I am capable of.
“I would also like to make the trials for the Great Britain under20 team and hopefully be selected for the Under-20 World Championships which are in 2022.
“I just cannot wait to get back on the ice after the frustrations of 2020 and whenever that happens it will just be great to be playing again.”