A Stirling youngster is playing it cool as he gets set to play for Scotland on the world stage.
He may only be nine years old, but ice hockey player Crawford Murray is off to represent his country this summer.
The talented youngster will head to the Riga Cup, Europe’s largest junior international ice hockey tournament, in Latvia this August, as part of the Scottish Ice Hockey under-12s Team.
Crawford’s mum Alison said: “When it comes to winter sports, Scotland is little known for its ice hockey, with curling being deemed by many as its national sport.
“The acclaim and success of Scottish curling is, of course, well deserved – but there is more talent on the horizon!”
Crawford has been selected to play in defence for Scotland after enjoying recent success with his Lanarkshire Lightning teammates, winning both the 2022-23 Scottish Ice Hockey League and Cup.
Alison added: “The Scottish Ice Hockey under-12s team is made up of talent from all over Scotland, with players selected from Dundee, Fife, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, as well as a number of fellow players from Crawford’s regular team, Lanarkshire Lightning.
“Fifteen players and two net minders will travel to Riga this August, giving these talented youngsters the opportunity to experience international ice hockey and represent Scotland on the world stage for the first time.
“We wish them every success and can’t wait to see how these talented young players will progress.”
Crawford said: “I love competing and winning with my team. I train twice a week with the under-12s and I train with some of my team twice a week with the under-14s for Lanarkshire Lightning, then the Scotland under-12s train once a month. We do off-ice training as well as on-ice training together.”
You can help support the under-12 team follow their dreams to Latvia by donating on their Riga Tournament fundraising page https://gofund.me/d0169912
