Alex in action for Cardiff Junior Devils. Picture: Helen Brabon Photography.

A Monmouth schoolboy has set his sights on playing ice hockey professionally when he’s older.

Eleven-year-old Alex, a pupil at Monmouth School Boys’ Prep, represents England and the South-West Conference at under-13 level.

Alex is a member of the Cardiff Junior Devils and trains around four times a week on the ice to hone his skating skills.

“The best thing about ice hockey is that it’s a team sport and you move around quickly on the ice and pass the puck to your friends,” said Alex, who enjoys learning Maths and playing sport at school.

“I have been playing ice hockey for about four years and it’s so much fun being a member of the Cardiff Junior Devils.

“We get to travel around the country, to places such as Peterborough and Milton Keynes, for matches.

“Ice hockey can be a very fast sport and some people might think it’s dangerous.

“But once you get used to it, and have some good skates, it’s not as hard as you might think it is.”

He added: “I hope to become a professional ice hockey player when I am older and, perhaps, one day play for Cardiff Devils men’s team.”

Alex plays at centre for Cardiff Junior Devils, where his dad, Anton, is the head coach. He plays in defence for England and the South-West Conference teams.

“Alex plays for England Select Under-12s, scored against Scotland in a 2-1 win, and was voted the Most Valuable Player in a big competition last year,” said his proud dad, Anton.

“He’s very happy at school in Monmouth. He enjoys being challenged and is getting lots out of his education. It’s just a shame that Cardiff has the only ice hockey rink in Wales.”

Alex with Monmouth School Boys’ Prep Headteacher, Mr Neil Shaw.