A Tyneside ice hockey player made history when she became the first British player to be drafted into the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL).
Casey Traill will play in one of the top two women’s professional leagues in North America, after being drafted in the fifth round by the Buffalo Beauts.
The 22-year-old from South Shields began her UK career playing for Newcastle, Whitley, Billingham and Kingston.
And today she spoke of her pride in representing British hockey in the wake of her American feat.
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Casey said: “To have the opportunity to be drafted into any NWHL team is an absolute honor.
“It has certainly been a long journey for me, but I couldn’t be more proud to represent British hockey on such a big platform. “
Casey became interested in hockey when she was young after watching the sport while on vacation in North America with her family.
But when she was nine, her mother took her to see a match being held at her home in Newcastle, where she was approached by someone who told her that she “looked like a football player. hockey”.
Following the comment, she decided to join a hockey club, which kicked off an incredible career for Casey.
Her career includes 19 appearances for GB Under-18 Women as a junior and she is now an established international, so far winning 18 caps for Great Britain Women since her debut in 2016.
(Image: Ice Hockey UK)
Casey said, “Hockey has never been a job, it’s just something I do for fun.
“I’m so glad I achieved something that I love to do.”
Casey decided to pursue his hockey career by moving to Ontario, Canada, in 2015 to join the Ontario Hockey Academy.
And after graduating from the academy in 2017, she moved to Vermont to study kinesiology and athletic therapy at Castleton University.
Casey combined school and hockey playing for Castleton University in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) league in North America.
She played nearly 100 games in four years, before graduating in May.
Casey said: “My aim is to inspire other UK players to keep playing and pushing the limits, even when they think no one is looking our way because you never know when or how your luck will turn out. .
“I may be the first British woman to be drafted, but I know for a fact that I won’t be the last.
“I am delighted to see what the future holds, not only for myself but also for the other British players who will follow.”
She added, “I’m extremely grateful to Buffalo for taking my chance and hopefully I can offer them both on and off the ice in the future.
“I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without the love and continued support of my family, friends and coaches and I hope I can continue to make them proud.”