Dream turns into reality for Bingham’s aspiring ice hockey pro Charlie Henry

A young ice hockey player from Bingham turned his dream into reality, just days after receiving his GSCE results.

Sixteen-year-old Charlie Henry was a pupil at Toot Hill School, Bingham, but is now playing as a netminder in the highest level of youth hockey in the USA.

Four days after receiving GCSE results, Charlie flew out of Heathrow Airport alone en-route to America to play for West Coast Renegades Ice Hockey Club.

The Renegades, based in Utah, play AAA ice hockey in the NAPHL Tier 1 Division.

His home rink — where he trains four times a week — is the Olympic Oval that was venue for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Henry said he dreamed of becoming a pro.

“I want to push myself and continue learning and developing both physically and mentally over the next few years,” said Henry.

“My end goal is to play ice hockey professionally and I don’t feel embarrassed about saying that.

“GB men’s goaltending Coach Euan King has been a great mentor and helped me with my decisions.

“I’m thrilled now to be working with a fantastic coaching team here at West Coast Renegades.

“The hockey is a much, much faster pace but I’m enjoying every minute of it and really excited about the forthcoming season.”

Charlie’s mum, Mala, said: “We are incredibly proud of Charlie.

“He has always kept his goals and dreams alive by training hard, competing and continuing to improve to be the very best version of himself.

“He’s made a lot of sacrifices along the way but anyone that knows him, knows once his mind is set on a goal he will do all he can to fulfil it.

“We love watching him play. It can be enjoyable and nerve-racking at the same time — win or lose the goalie always stands out.

“Many of his games will be lived streamed, so it will be fantastic to still be able to watch him.”

Henry, who thanked Toot Hill for their support, will continue his schooling at a private school linked to the club on a part scholarship.

“Toot Hill have always been thoroughly supportive of my desire to develop my sport, even when I’ve needed time out of school for national trials,” he said.

“Although I have been playing ice hockey for a few years, I still have a long way to go.

“My advice to anyone looking to pursue a career in their chosen sport is, if you have a dream, chase it.

“Set your sights really high — network, put yourself out there, find your way and do everything you can to make it happen.”

Chris Eardley, head of school at Toot Hill, said: “ A huge congratulations to Charlie for signing a contract with a major team in the United States.

“Charlie has embodied the school’s ‘Work Hard, Be Kind, Take Pride’ ethos and thoroughly deserves this amazing opportunity.

“Furthermore, he has remained incredibly humble throughout the hockey selection process.

“We wish him all the best for the future and look forward to seeing and hearing about his experiences in AAA ice hockey.”

Henry

To sponsor Charlie Henry for the 2022-23 season, get in touch on 07967 784087.