Maddisen Fulton of Princeton has been playing hockey since she was four years old.
This week she is skating for gold in Lake Placid, New York, as part of a team from Penticton competing in the International Children’s Winter Games.
“So far it’s really fun,” she said in an interview with The Spotlight Tuesday. “We have had two games. Our first one we lost 8-3 and our second game we won 6-1.”
The games comprise youth from 14 countries and 33 cities. Fulton, a centre, is putting her stick on the ice against other teams from Canada, as well as the United States and Iceland.
“I have met a lot of new people from around the world,” she said, adding she is taking time to enjoy the sights. “The town is beautiful. We walked around the town a little bit, but we are going to explore some more when we are not so busy.”
Fulton is 14 and attends Grade 9 at Princeton Secondary School. She plays at the Bantam level for Princeton Minor Hockey and at the Midget rep level in Penticton.
“What I love about hockey is it is really fun. You get to push yourself, you get to meet new people, and your teammates feel like family.”
Lake Placid has twice played host to the Olympic Winter Games and has a long history of international sports competition. The games this week are based on forming nation-linking friendships through sports — advancing the Olympic ideals.
“It’s really fun competing at a different level. We definitely have to give 100 per cent the whole 60 minutes but it’s a fun challenge,” said Fulton. “I feel really good skating. I’ve been giving it my all and have been getting lots of good feedback from my coaches and other teams.”
Fulton said the podium is not out of reach.
“I think my team could win for sure if we all give 100 per cent and we all give our best effort every game.”
She plans on spending a lot more time at the rink, regardless of this week’s outcome.
“I would love hockey to come with me to the future. It’s definitely something I love to do.”
With files from Black Press.
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