Monash student leads Australia to World Championship
Marcus Wong, left, and a teammate
Monash student Marcus Wong has captained the Australian Youth Ice Hockey team to gold medal honours at the 2011 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship (Div. III) held recently in Taipei City.
The Australians won every game on their way to the final in which they defeated local team, Chinese Taipei, 6 - 2.
Following this success, the Australian youth team will compete in Division II at the 2012 competition.
“I guess no words can actually describe the immense pride and joy that one feels when they have represented their country in such a fantastic manner. Wearing the Australia jersey is something that I will never forget!” said Marcus.
In addition to the team victory, Marcus, who also plays for the ‘Medibank Melbourne Ice’ men’s team, was awarded the best defensive player of the competition.
“Winning the best defenseman award capped off a brilliant championship. It just shows that Australia as a nation is still producing some high quality players.”
Aerospace Engineering / Science student Marcus took up ice hockey when he was five after watching an amateur game in Hong Kong. He was selected for the Australian under-18 team as a 15 year old and first captained the team in 2010.
“Balancing training and study commitments is tough. I usually get on the ice five to seven times per week during the season, as well as off-ice trainings two to three times per week. While this makes life a bit of a rush at times, it is worth the effort considering the success and enjoyment that I have obtained in not only my sporting life but also academically.”
“My ultimate dream job would be to work for one of the major aviation or space exploration companies such as NASA, Boeing or Airbus. Working in places outside Australia, such as North America or Europe would also allow me to continue my hockey career.”