Inside King's-Edgehill School
Representing one’s country is often the pinnacle of sporting achievement. Grade 10 student, Junsu Kwak '25 recently did just that as a member of the Korean National Hockey team at the U-18 Worlds in Slovenia. His team finished fourth of six nations at the B level, which featured Slovenia, Austria, Estonia, Poland, and Italy.
“It was very competitive,” said Junsu. “We were beating Austria 2-1 after the second period. They beat us and then won the whole tournament. All the teams were close, with Poland the weakest.” Junsu played right-wing on the second line and recorded four assists at the tournament. “My strength is my ‘dangles’ and speed,” said Junsu. “I have to get better at the physical side of the game,” he added.
Junsu will return to KES next year as he chases his goal to eventually play in the United States in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). “Playing in the tournament made me feel like a pro,” he says. Interestingly, the Korean players have very similar or the same family names, so the team had their first names on the back of their jerseys.
Junsu was very appreciative of the coaching received at KES. “Mr. Hillier helped me a lot to get ready for a high level of play,” he says. Junsu has a bright future on the ice as one of his country’s very best.
Kevin Lakes
Junior School Faculty
Junior School Athletics Coordinator