Joel McFadden of the Sydney Bears recently represented Australia at the Under 20 Division 3 World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. This was Joel’s third occasion of representing Australia at the international level.  

 

After spending Christmas with his family Joel departed on Boxing Day to Toronto Canada for an intense 1 week pre tournament training camp at the internationally renowned “Teen Ranch” training centre. The camp consisted of a busy schedule including early morning training sessions followed by exhibition games at night against tough Canadian teams.   

 

The small break for New Year’s celebrations was quickly forgotten with the team departing for Istanbul on New Year’s Day. Facing stiff completion from team including Bulgaria, New Zealand, North Korea (DPR), Turkey and Iceland, Australia headed into the weeklong tournament charged and ready to take home the Gold Medal.  

 

The first game of the tournament saw Australia stomp Bulgaria’s by a score of 11 to 1. The game was put away with a score of 4 to 1 after the first period. Joel’s impressive play making saw him pick up 3 assists on the night.

 

Game 2 saw Australia face off against their arch rivals New Zealand. Playing a similar style to Australia the All Blacks challenged hard in the first period with Australia on top by a score of 1 - 0. The offensive skill of the Australian’s was the turning point in the second period with the team scoring 4 unanswered goals ending the hopes of the All Black. Heading into the third period with a 5-0 lead Australia let their guard down and New Zealand score the only goal of the period making the final score 5 – 1.

 

Game 3 was to be Australia’s toughest opponent, North Korea. Unable to match the Australian physical size the Korean’s for forced to take penalties leading to 4 powerplay opportunities for the Australians. Converting on their fourth attempt Australia finished the period in front 1 - 0. The second period saw North Korea score 2 goals in the first 10 minutes taking the leading. Backs against the wall Australia regained the lead with 2 powerplay goals to finish the period ahead 3 – 2. With only 10 minutes to go Korea leveled the score 3-3 sending the game to overtime.  It took the Australians less than 2 minutes to score and clinch the game 4-3. 

 

The Gold Medal game saw Australia faceoff against the hard hitting Icelandic Team coached by former Bears player “Josh Gribben”. Jumping out to an early lead Australia finished the first period in front 1-0. With the goal medal in their sights Australia quickly added another 2 goals to deflate any chance of a come back. The final period saw Iceland score in the final 8 minutes but Australia held on for the win and ultimately the Gold Medal. 

 

Going undefeated in the tournament not only saw the Australian team receive Gold Medal Honours but a promotion to Division II for  the World Championships 2011.