Life just so Swede for netminder Wakefield
Jack relishing a second season with Amals SK squad
STARLET Jack Wakefield had such a n-ice time playing in Sweden he cannot wait to go back later this year, writes TONY HODGSON.
The 16-year old – who plays for Hillheads-based Whitley Renegades – was offered the opportunity to further his ice hockey education with Amals SK Under-18s, a team based about two hours north of Gothenburg.
The Durham-born netminder combined his time playing on the ice with continung his education – and admits he thoroughly enjoyed the Scandinavian experience.
He said: “I definitely want to return next season.
“I lived in my own apartment in a really nice town. Everyone I met treated me well and everyone on the team made me feel very welcome.”
Amals SK play in Division One, which is the second tier in Sweden behind their Elite League.
The league is regionalised into North, South, East and West and is made up of 97 teams – and Wakefield was the only English player in the league.
He added: “The game has a totally different level of intensity and speed to here in Britain.
“Training drills are more complex than back home, which was also is a big learning curve for me.
“I had Canadian and Swedish coaches so I had different styles of hockey training, which I think was good. I really enjoyed the sessions.
“There is a gym at the rink where I could work out whenever I wanted to and the ice was available for extra ice-time if I needed it.
“I also trained with the senior team when one of their netminders was unavailable.”
Wakefield went on: “I was lucky enough to be able to live like an unpaid import player.
“Even as an under-18 player we usually had five ice sessions per week plus off-ice training and matches sometimes twice a week.
“Before my Wednesday night training I would help coach the younger netminders for two hours and also assisted on ice hockey camps during the season.
“I had intended to learn Swedish but everyone spoke English to me!
“I did some unpaid voluntary work and also some online studies which I want to continue next season.”
Amals Under-18s’ coach Garrett Nystedt was delighted with Wakefield’s performances beween the sticks.
He said: “Jack did very well. Usually the adjustment for a 16-year-old is not easy when moving countries and playing ice hockey in a new place.
“However, the team welcomed him pretty quickly and he settled in pretty well.
“We were focused on our results but most importantly making sure we were helping our players to be better.
“Jack improved his game by getting used to not being too comfortable. He sets the bar high for himself and we want to help him to get closer to that bar.
“Physically he improved every day and it was a pleasure to see a player who has such a solid work ethic have success.”
Wakefield was due to go to a summer ice hockey camp in the Netherlands in July but this has been cancelled to due to the coronaorus outbreak.
Currently he is trying to keep fit by doing daily runs and sprints as well as working out in the gym in the garage at his home.