Cool Casey’s an Atom

Wombarra ice hockey player Casey Kubara, who is playing in the national titles.

WOMBARRA’S Casey Kubara is in Adelaide for the Australian ice hockey championships, which start today (Thursday).

The 11-year-old centre will play for the NSW Atoms in their quest for a national title.

Casey’s journey to the Adelaide ice seems like a long way, but it is nothing like the trials the youngster has faced in pursuing his chosen sport.

The youngster used to play inline hockey at Woonona but the rink closed – leaving him with a tough decision to make.

He decided to play ice hockey at Liverpool with the Liverpool Catholic Club Saints.

The Saints are one of only ten ice hockey clubs in NSW, fielding teams from ages five, up to seniors and master’s leagues.

Players from ice hockey strongholds such as Canada, the United States and Europe have played in the NSW league.

Despite a seven-week non-hockey related injury layoff, Casey has scored 30 goals in seven weeks.

Casey is following in the footsteps of his older brothers Toby and Tyler, who play, while the youngest of the Kubara boys, Bayley, has just started ice hockey.

To sharpen his skills Casey also plays in his older brothers team, The Peewees (under 13s) and has scored 13 goals in 11 games with 11 assists.

Meanwhile Tyler is second in scoring in his state league, with 37 goals and 25 assists.