Strathmore’s Ramsay relished Florida tournament

Times Reporter    

 

When Ty Ramsay was completing his Wheatland Inline Hockey Season (WIHA) at end of June, he was expecting to start his summer like any other kid this time of year – hanging out with his friends in the sun. 

All that changed, when the Edmonton based NARCH (North American Roller Hockey Championship) Team United approached him about playing with them in the Florida tournament. 

The United had an injury prior to the tournament and Ramsay got called upon to join the squad for the tournament from July 11-27 in Estero, Fla., which is a two hour drive from Miami. Ramsay had to drive to Edmonton numerous times to practice with the team before they departed for the tournament

“It was a really great experience down there (in Estero),” said Ramsay. “Our team played really well together and our team (the United) won bronze.”

Coming from a smaller community like Strathmore and adjusting to the international stage was a difficult task for Ramsay.

“It was difficult (playing in a big tournament) as I was (very) nervous” said Ramsay.

“We played (teams from) Colombia, New York, Colorado and Florida.”

In the southern States, ice hockey is a concept that many are still trying to grasp. However, inline hockey is renowned down there with rinks dedicated specifically to the sport.

“The (Germaini) arena where we were at, there was no ice hockey involved … all year round it was just inline played there,” said Ramsay.

Off the roller rink, the players were able to explore the ‘Sunshine State’ and Ramsay, along with his family took full advantage of being tourist in Miami.

“Probably (my favorite place) was Miami Beach (which was) very beautiful and I really (enjoyed) the heat and the palm trees,” said Ramsay.

“I went air boating (in the Everglades) which was really fun and (the crocodiles) they were pretty scary.”

Ty’s mom, Cindy, could not be more proud of what her son has been able to accomplish thus far in his young inline career. The other players’ parents welcomed the Ramsays with open arms at the tournament. 

“The parents all welcomed us (and) it was like we were playing with them all year,” said Cindy. “The coach was amazing as she is the only female coach in NARCH. There were some challenges of having a female coach from the other teams but she kept the boys in line,” said Cindy.

With all the efforts of the players and WIHA, there will hopefully be more of a Strathmore presence in the near future in the tournament.

“We are very fortunate to have Wheatland Inline Hockey Association in Strathmore for our kids (who through) hard work and dedication hopefully will have a team in San Jose next year,” said Cindy.

Ramsay managed to pick up a goal in the tournament, and is hopeful to be on the team next year when the event is held in San Jose, Ca.