Jenna glides into KZN ice hockey team

A Kingsway High School pupil was selected for the KZN women’s ice hockey team.

Jenna Turner (18) started training at the beginning of last year when the Galleria Ice Rink was completed and quickly became hooked on the sport.

“As there aren’t many women who play ice hockey in South Africa, the KZN team will join with Gauteng and Western Province to form an SA invitational team,” said Jenna.

“The sport is slowly gaining popularity, especially among junior players. It’s not really dangerous as with women, it’s not supposed to be a contact sport, but it is really fast.”

Jenna usually plays forward. “On smaller rinks like Toti and Durban, there are three players on the ice, plus the goalkeeper. On the larger rinks in Johannesburg and Cape Town, there are five plus the goalie.”

Jenna confesses the sport can be expensive. “Kit can cost up to R10,000 and has to be imported from the USA.”

Despite this, Jenna loves the sport.

“I like that it challenges me physically. As most of my friends play, the club is like my family. You have to be focussed and think about what you are doing.”