Hockey fans around the world are watching and waiting to see Pittsburgh or Detroit will take home the Stanley Cup this year, but the NHL isn’t the only intense and exciting hockey action underway.
The 2009 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Inline Hockey World Championships are taking place in Ingolstadt, Germany from June 6 to 14 and Red Deer’s Adam Ross, 22, grandson of Ponoka’s Sylvia and Bryan Corkery, is competing for the second year in a row.
Last year, Ross finished his first college ice hockey season as a defenceman for the Merrimack Warriors in Boston, and then was off to the Inline Hockey Worlds in Bratislava, Slovakia where Canada captured gold.
Standing 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 220 pounds, it’s no wonder this talented player, who has been playing ice hockey for 18 years and inline hockey for 12, was on the roster for a second time.
“I’ve always grown up playing and loving hockey, and this (inline) is an extension of that that is a little more relaxed, a lot of fun, and a good way to stay in shape,” said Ross.
“We’ve worked hard and will try our best against our competition. Whatever the outcome, it will be a great experience,” he said.
On the opening day of the tournament, Canada played against Sweden and while Canada had a 4-0 lead in the first 15 minutes of the game, Sweden ultimately emerged victorious with a 6-4 win.
Canada was scheduled to play the USA on June 8 with results available by visiting www.iihf.com
There is also a Team Canada Facebook group fans can join to show their support.