(Image: Supplied)
Preparing for exams presents a challenge for most students, but one Teesside student had to balance revision with his flourishing ice hockey career.
Ben Elliott, who attended Our Lady & St Bede Catholic Academy in Stockton, had to make time for his studies between trips to Leeds four times a week to train and compete with the Leeds Knights ice hockey team.
Competing in the semi-professional National Ice Hockey League, Ben’s talent on the ice means he’s called on to play for both the Knights’ junior and senior teams.
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Ben first began playing ice hockey more than ten years ago, and since developing into a strong skater, he has competed across both the UK and internationally.
Today, he has done exceedingly well in his GCSEs – achieving all Grade 4 or above, including Grade 6 in English Literature.
While taking some time to weigh up the options for his next step, Ben’s long-term goal is to compete in the European ice hockey leagues and to live and play in Sweden, Germany, Finland or the Czech Republic, where ice hockey enjoys a strong following.