It’s been a golden summer on the world stage for Richmond’s Daniel Judkowicz.
The soon to be Grade 11 student at McRoberts Secondary helped Team Canada dominate at last month’s 2016 ISBHF World Junior Ball Hockey Championships in Sheffield, UK.
Playing on the blueline, Judkowicz was a member of Canada’s U16 team that went unbeaten over six games, including a 2-1 victory against Slovakia for the gold.
Earlier wins came against United States (5-1), Czech Republic (2-0), Great Britain (11-1) Switzerland (3-0) and Slovakia (7-0).
Judkowicz finished the championships with a goal and two assists. He was joined in Canadian colours by Richmond/South Delta Minor Ball Hockey Association teammate Thomas Van Veenendaal of Ladner. The pair were originally selected for Team Canada based on their play at last summer’s Canadian Ball Hockey Association Junior Nationals in St. John’s.
Judkowicz and Van Veenendaal also play soccer for the Richmond FC Metro program.
Canada added gold medals at the U18 and U20 levels as well. Both teams also defeated Slovakia in the title games.
“I am so proud to be a part of the Canadian Ball Hockey Association right now,” said Canadian Ball Hockey president Shelley Callaghan. “Our sport is experiencing dramatic growth and these young men are our future. They are athletes of the highest caliber - they represented Canada with such wonderful sportsmanship and skill. We are so proud of them, and I cannot wait to see what their futures hold. Every single one of them should be commended for their committed preparation and delivery in Sheffield.”
