Another year at UWE means another groups of incredibly talented athletes walk through our doors as UWE Sport Scholars and Bursars. This week we meet Owen Griffiths, second year Business Management and Economics student, international ice hockey player and UWE Sport Bursar who tells us how his love for the sport began.

How long have you been playing ice hockey and how did you get into it in the first place?

I have been playing ice hockey since I was 6 years old in Cardiff and have since played on the Isle of Wight, in Swindon and Peterborough. I joined Cardiff with my two older cousins and have not looked back since.

What’s the biggest event you’ve competed in?

I have represented Great Britain in the IIHF u18 & u20 World Championships in, Megeve, France; we played against Japan, Poland, France, Slovenia and Ukraine. After 5 games we won a bronze medal, just missing out on a silver medal on goal difference. Top players from each country are selected for their national team and compete for division promotion and Olympic qualifying.

How do you stay motivated to train?

I am a young player in the English Premier League who competes against experienced players, therefore to achieve silverware at a young age would be a great sense of achievement.

Who’s your sporting idol and why?

I couldn’t narrow it down to a single person or athlete as I admire so many people for different reasons but I would say Patrick Kane’s skill and speed is something I try to aspire to and manipulate into my game.

Why did you decide to study at UWE and what do you like about living in Bristol?

I decided to study at UWE because it is a well-respected university that provides brand new tech and respected staff to help me both academically and as a professional. Bristol is a lively city that has somewhere or something to go and do all the time.

What do you like to do when you’re not training or competing?

I play a lot of ice hockey however I can’t stray away from competition therefore playing golf, football or general socialising is a nice change from intense professionalism.

What do you love about your sport?

The idea of competing for months and months to achieve one goal and achieve that is one of the greatest feelings you can receive. I love competing as a team in a sport that is very entertaining and not predictable.