Graeme Townshend (pictured above), the first Jamaica-born NHL player, is adamant about creating a national ice hockey team in his home country. In a story likely to draw similar laughs and criticism from their 1980s bobsledding quest, the tiny Caribbean island is taking steps to bring a Jamaica hockey team to the Olympics within the the next decade or two.
Townshend, fully aware of the daunting task ahead, spoke with the Toronto Star regarding the ambitious goal:
If Jamaica can get a team in the world championships or the Olympics, that’s like a miracle. It’s something that’s so outlandish that I think it actually might work.
While the country is only an associate member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), they are taking the necessary steps to become a full member, which requires at least one ice rink and a national team development program. Jamaica cannot enter the World Championships or Olympics without being a full member of the IIHF.
Still void of a firm roster, there are at least 30 players signed up for tryouts in Ontario, Canada, where they expect to trim the roster in hopes of playing exhibition games by early next year.
[genericon icon=twitter] Follow Andrew Doughty on Twitter @Adoughty88
Photo Courtesy: David Cooper/Toronto Star
