Young local athletes Drake Manning Almeida and Evan Barbosa have always had a passion for hockey, starting from their childhood days. Although they initially found their love for the sport through ice hockey, they also enjoyed honing their skills in street hockey during the summer months. Little did they know that their dedication would lead them to make history.
Almeida and Barbosa have recently returned home after representing the U18 United States national ball hockey team and securing a silver medal during the 2024 ISBHF Ball Hockey World Junior Championships in Zilina, Slovakia. Their achievement is a significant milestone, as they were part of only three teams in the USA organization to reach this level of success.
Reflecting on the experience, Almeida expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “One of our goals was to win gold. Last year, we did not even get a medal because we came in fourth. But this year we won silver. I’m happy with it.” Their journey to the finals was marked by impressive victories against Switzerland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, England, and Canada. However, they faced a 5-1 defeat against Canada in the championship game.
Head coach Eddie Costa, who created the Southcoast Ball Hockey Association, shared the demanding journey that brought the team to this point. He described the extensive training and collaborative efforts the team underwent over the past year, emphasizing that their achievement of securing the silver medal was a testament to their hard work and perseverance.
Almeida and Barbosa, both 17 years old, emerged as local stars, with Almeida leading the United States team in scoring and being named the tournament’s best forward. Barbosa, on the other hand, played a crucial defensive role for the team. Coach Costa commended their dedication and talent, describing them as “high-level hockey players” and among the top ball hockey players in the country.
Sharing their experiences abroad, both Almeida and Barbosa expressed their elation at being part of such a significant event. For Almeida, the trip to Slovakia was “amazing” and “definitely up there” as one of his greatest experiences. Barbosa echoed similar sentiments, deeming it “the greatest experience” he has ever been a part of.
Apart from the intense competition, the young athletes had the opportunity to explore Slovakian culture and cuisine. They shared their favorite foods and compared them to American cuisine, adding a personal touch to their international experience.
As they return to their respective academic commitments, both Almeida and Barbosa are hopeful about the future of ball hockey and aspire to see the sport on the Olympic stage one day.
Upon their return, the local community has celebrated their achievement, recognizing the dedication and skill that propelled them to success. Their journey exemplifies the potential for young athletes to make an impact in their chosen sports.
The experience Almeida and Barbosa have gained from participating in the tournament goes beyond the games themselves. It has given them a broader perspective on life and new cultural experiences, leaving a lasting impression on them.
Their journey and success have undoubtedly left a mark on the local community and the broader sports arena. As they continue to pursue their athletic endeavours, their story serves as an inspiration for aspiring young athletes.