Ice hockey comes naturally to Junior Sports Star nominee Sebastian Morton

TWO years ago Sebastian Morton had never put on a pair of ice skates, now he has earned a Junior Sports Star nomination for his success at ice hockey.

Sebastian Morton (blue) in action.

TWO years ago Sebastian Morton had never put on a pair of ice skates.

Now the 14-year-old will represent NSW at the Kurt De Fris Tournament national titles in Perth.

The Double Bay resident said he wanted to give ice hockey a try after watching it on TV and falling in love with the fast pace of the game.

His ability has earned him a nomination in the Junior Sports Star awards, sponsored by Rebel.

He competed in the tournament last year, his first year playing.

The Cranbrook Year 9 student said he never could have dreamt he would get so good so quickly.

When he started “it was hard, I was ice skating like five or six times a week, just to get good enough to play”.

Sebastian Morton after a game.

“It was pretty unexpected (to make the side) this year, because I went up an age group and am against bigger people and didn’t think I would get in, but it is a good surprise,” he said.

The defender has aspirations of playing for Australia and maybe a college scholarship in the US or Canada.

Sebastian travels up to three hours a day for training with his domestic side the Liverpool Saints. The low profile of ice hockey in Australia and lack of facilities means he doesn’t have a nearby side he can play with.

“It is fast paced, there is not one sport like it. I play rugby for Cranbrook and basketball for the school, but this is the sport I like the most,” he said.

“There are so many different elements, the skating and the puck handling and the trying to avoid getting hit, the roughness of it is something I enjoy.”

Sebastian Morton in action for the Liverpool Saints.

He said he hoped to learn a lot on the trip away. The tournament will be held from July 8 to 11.

His father, Sebastian, said: “We are so proud of ­Sebastian’s achievements. He trains rigorously and loves the sport.”

Young Sebastian said: “Ice hockey is such a great sport and I would really like to see more young people from the eastern suburbs get ­involved.’

GET INVOLVED:

■ juniorsportsstar.com.au and follow the prompts

■ Nominations are open until October 23 for children between 10 and 16 years

■ Finalists announced in November and winners in February next year

■ 7 News is the media partner. Fox Sports Pulse sponsors the Team Spirit award

■ Follow us on Facebook, or Twitter #JuniorSportsStar