By Craig Anderson (reproduced from www.britishicehockey.co.uk)
Fans will recognise most of the Great Britain team when they take to the ice in the World Championships, but unless you closely follow the national team at various age levels, one face in particular may not be so familiar.
Welshman Joey Lewis, who plays in DEL2 with ESV Kaufbeuren, is in Slovakia with the rest of Pete Russell’s squad, getting ready for the tournament, when GB will take on Germany in their opening game on Saturday.
And it’s this game that the 26-year-old, who hails from Newport in South Wales, is looking forward to the most.
“I moved to Germany nearly 10 years and it came about because of an old team-mate of mine, Andrew Hirst, who now plays for Sheffield Steeldogs,” Lewis said. “He had a tryout in Germany and there was an extra spot and we both made the team.
“Sadly for him, he had to return to the UK, but I stuck it out and I’ve never looked back. I have to mention him as it wouldn’t have been possible without him.
“I’ve climbed up into the DEL2 and personally, I’ve adapted well into German life. I’ve learned the language and got my citizenship too, so it’s helped to get me where I am in hockey.
“But that first game against Germany is probably the one I’m looking forward to the most. I’m proud to be part of both nations and I hope to get the call to be in the line-up. It will be an amazing feeling to share the ice with my other country.
“I’ve played with and against quite a few of the German team and they bring a lot to their team. I don’t think it’s a far away reach for us.”
Click here to read the feature interview on the BIH website.
Photo credit: Scott Wiggins.