CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Emil Faurholm’s hockey dream isn’t much different from many of his peers.
“NHL, of course,” he said. “But right now, I am trying to get into a major junior league in Canada.”
What does separate the 14-year-old a bit from his peers is he is from Denmark and stands six-foot-three and weighs 220 pounds.
He is one of the more than 400 players, representing 11 different countries, taking part in the 24th annual Andrews International Hockey Showcase this week at MacLauchlan Arena.
Faurholm took part in the event last year and was asked to come back this year. He has already met with a couple of prep schools and is considering coming to North America as he continues to grow in his chosen sport before becoming eligible to play junior hockey in a few years.
“It’s always been a dream to come and play in Canada,” Faurholm said before Tuesday’s game. “I think it’s every hockey players’ dream playing in the highest leagues, playing with some good teams and with some good friends.”
Andrew Hockey Growth Programs founder Allan Andrews said the 2005-born Faurholm has received offers to stay in Canada.
“He has a good work ethic, is very respectful and has great potential, but like every other ’05 he’s got a lot of work to do,” Andrews said. “I think he’s willing to work.”
Faurholm said he has enjoyed getting to meet with representatives from various schools this week.
“It’s pretty fun because it's not everybody that gets the chance to go to another country and play.”
Faurholm said he first went on the ice with his father when he was one and a half years old. He loves the sport and wants to keep improving. He said the game is good in Denmark, but the depth of talent and skill is better in North America.
While he has played both forward and defence growing up, he has patrolled the blue-line during this week’s tournament.
Some of the players who have participated in the event in the past are Sidney Crosby, Brad Richards, Adam McQuaid, Jillian Saulnier, Brianne Jenner, Shannon MacAulay and Keirsten Visser.
The international showcase is only one program offered by Andrews Hockey Growth Programs, which is celebrating its 40th year this year.
Andrews said the philosophy has always been personal development and skill development before winning.
“We try to encourage the kids to not only have their dream but to have a dream beyond that,” he said, noticing some participants have gone on to pursue other professions, including health care. “A lot of them don't make the NHL but they get educations” through hockey.
Some of the families are not sure which route to go with a variety of options available to them. The showcase provides them an opportunity to explore some of the choices.
“We’re not pushing any direction,” Andrews said. “We just say these are your options and present the kids to the scouts and they make that choice.”
Andrews was in the hallway outside the office at the Bell Aliant Centre on Tuesday night as youngsters met with their parents after playing their game. Andrews said it is fun to see the energy the kids have for the sport.
“They shake your hand and their eyes are lit up and you can see they’re chasing a dream,” he said. “That keeps them focused and away from a lot of negative things they have to face now as young people.”
