‘Trying to win Gold!': London youth in Austria competing at United World Games
Aydan Hagerty is getting set to suit up as a goalie for Team Canada at the United World Games (UWG) in Austria, but he's equally excited about the journey as the competition.
'I'm pretty excited for the plane ride because I've never been on a plane,' said the 12-year-old Londoner.
The UWG is an international multi-sport event that brings together young athletes from various countries to compete in a range of sports. It typically features about 800 athletes in sports like ball hockey, basketball, soccer, volleyball.
'It's the Junior Olympics,' said Josh Hagerty, Aydan's dad. 'Basically, anyone under the age of 18. They have an opening ceremony just like normal Olympics, which he was actually selected to partake in.'
Aydan was selected to the U13 roster in the 3-on-3 Ball Hockey Division.
Aydan Hagerty
Aydan Hagerty, 12, of London, Ont. stops a ball during road hockey with his dad before heading to the United World Games in Austria (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
'Tryouts were in Brantford, London, and Quebec, and Niagara Falls. I went to three of the four practices and was chosen based on my on my skill level,' said Ayden.
His father was excited about his perseverance.
'I was over the moon when he got selected,' said Josh. 'He tried out last year and unfortunately did not make the cut. He told me as soon as he got cut, that he's like, 'It's okay, I'm not worried about it, I'll be on the team next year.'
He worked hard, and that's exactly what happened.
'He prepared,' said his dad. 'He played U15 as an 11-year-old in ice hockey to get ready and he came back and made the team'
His parents customized his pads and gloves with a Canadian theme, with a touch of home.
Aydan Hagerty
Aydan Hagerty's parents customized his ball hockey gear for Team Canada. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
'He's got all these dreams of going to the NHL and obviously now going to Europe,' said Josh. 'We wanted to keep it personal, so the bottom of his pads is the City of London skyline, so he can remember where he came from.'
Aydan said he loves playing net because of the taps on the head when he makes a big save, and the friendships he forms with fellow and opposing net minders.
They left Sunday morning for a team bonding trip in Italy. Along with his family, he's in Austria now ready for competition to begin Friday.
Team Canada will be competing against two teams from Quebec, Team USA, a team from the Czech Republic, and one from Slovakia.
'I'm trying to win gold!' Ayden exclaimed.
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