AGE: 16
KAELEN IRELAND
Number: 30

Ireland plays hockey for the fun and competition that the sport offers. He says he’s been lucky enough to have been a part of a skilled team the last couple of years, earning their spot representing the Outaouais at the Quebec Interregional Championships two years in a row. Through these successes, and countless games at home and on the road, Ireland has learned the value of teamwork and perseverance.

Ireland is the first to admit that playing goalie is a tough but rewarding position on the team to hold down. While he’s always proud to keep the Lions’ net clear, it’s tough to let the occasional puck slip by. However, making a big save is always a rewarding feeling for the backstop.
Currently a grade 11 student at PHS, Ireland has plans to apply for post-secondary school and is hoping to attend Algonquin College. Still, he maintains he’ll be enjoying one last year with the Lions in the 2019-20 season, to round out his minor hockey career.
His coach said being a goalie isn’t easy, as you’re the last line of defense and are expected to make key saves for the team. He says Ireland’s size is an asset, as he stands tall at 6’2” covering a lot of net. Ireland has put up some staggering numbers this season as he’s only let nine goals slip by him and has 11 shutouts under his belt. Always one to play it cool, when asked after certain games how he found the pressure to perform, Ireland will shrug, smile, and say, “It was alright.”