Steelkings player, Ben O’Brien, has been called up for the GB Ice Hockey World Championship squad in Norway next week.
Mr O’Brien, 21, is the youngest member of the Great Britain squad, and is looking to make an impact.
The winger describes the feeling of representing his nation as “amazing”. He said: “Being able to represent my country for the second time feels very good, especially being the youngest player.
“Sometimes there is a lot of weight on your shoulders to prove yourself, but I feel proud to represent South Yorkshire and my country as not many people can say they have done that.”
Mr O’Brien made the change from amputee football to ice hockey last year.
The Sheffield star previously represented his country at amputee football, whilst also winning the Premier League and FA Cup with Manchester City.
When asked about how he has had to adapt to the change in sport, Ben said: “It was really difficult to begin with to go from one sport to the other especially when one is warm and the other isn’t.”
The 2024 Paralympic Ice Hockey Championships are the 11th rendition of the competition, with six competing teams.
The USA are the current world champions, however are not set to compete in this year’s event.
Darren O’Brien, Ben’s father, said: “He (Ben) is amazing, and he has inspired so many others as well.”
He suffered from bone cancer and was forced to have his leg amputated at the age of 11.
“When he had the conversation about having his leg amputated, it inspired an older person to go through with his operation as well. For somebody who has been against the odds, to see my son and decide enough is enough and have an amputation, it feels fantastic.”
The Wombwell-born family have started a Go Fund Me page, to seek donations to help Ben play in Norway.
To donate, click here.