He was soon a regular at Canterbury Ice Rink where he completed his junior career up until starring in the U18s squad before the rink closed for repairs.
Since then, the Bankstown Sports Club Brewhouse staff member was part of the winning Australian U20s team at the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships in Finland in 2023 and earlier this month, competed up a division at the championships in Serbia.
“We went through last year undefeated but came fourth this year, which was still a good result as it was much more challenging,” he said.
Turning 20 before the next World Championships and too old to compete in the same division, Hayden said he was hoping to make it into the men’s open side in a couple of years.
Until then, he will continue to refine his skills in the Australian Ice Hockey League, playing for the Central Coast Rhinos twice a week as well as coaching junior teams in Liverpool.
He said ice hockey was in a class of its own and that everyone should give it a go.
“It’s exhilarating and keeps you really fit,” he said.
“There are no slow movements and I just love how physical the game is; you learn a bunch of new skills like hand-eye co ordination, speed and balance and you learn how to take body contact.
“It’s just so much fun.”
Ready for next challenge
HE’D always been a talented sports allrounder but as soon as Revesby’s Hayden Sayers tried ice hockey, he knew he had found his true love.
