LOCAL ice hockey star Jordan Challis has achieved an incredible feat, selected for four national sides, including the Ice Blacks – all at the age of 15.
Jordan’s rapid climb up the ice hockey ranks has been nothing short of extraordinary.
He made his debut for the national under-16 side at the minor age of 12, just four years after taking up the sport.
However, it wasn’t all easy for the Howick College student as he says being a lot younger than the other players also meant being a great deal smaller than them too.
“My first year in the under-16s was the hardest because I was only 12 so I was still quite small. I had to rely on speed to get around and out of the way,” says Jordan.
He believes relying on that speed, mixed with clever thinking has been the key factor for him playing well above his age.
“I’ve always played in grades a couple of years above me so becoming fast and smart has always been important.”
His outstanding ability has not only caught the eyes of the national selectors, but also international scouts who invited Jordan to try his luck in the top grades in Canada.
“A Canadian ice-hockey scout who was coaching a team on tour here saw me play and invited me up for a month. After we sorted a team for me, I stayed and ended up playing for six months.”
Jordan played for Toronto triple ‘A’ side, Markham Waxers. For his age group Triple ‘A’ is the highest level of ice hockey in Canada and America.
Age has often been a barrier for the young star as he’s had to sit out previous tournaments because he did not fit the minimum age requirements.
“I was selected for the under-18’s in China at the start of this year but a week out from the tournament I found out I was too young (14) as I had to be at least 15.”
Unfortunately Jordan also doesn’t fit the minimum 17 years age requirement for the Ice Blacks, who will also be preparing for the world champs early next year.
Jordan, who won a national title in his rookie season with the Botany Swarms, says he is planning on returning to Canada within the next few years to push himself towards his dream of playing in the National Hockey League (NHL).
“I believe I can do it. I’ve already played at the highest level for my age so if I go back I know I can get back into that.”
Recently returning from captaining the New Zealand under-16 side in an undefeated six-match tour of Australia, Jordan travels to Mexico City in March, and Prague and Serbia in January for the under-18 and under-20 world championships.
