The Elite Hockey Program at Cheshire Academy has not been around for long, but that’s not stopping it from bringing in some of the top talent around the world, including Keitaro Yasuda ’19, who has been asked to represent his country on the U18 Japan National Team.

Yasuda will fly to Asiago, Italy this week to play in the upcoming 2016 IIHF U18 World Championship Division I Group B tournament. Participating countries include Hungary, Italy, Korea, Slovenia, and Ukraine. All the games will be held at the PalaOdegar Stadium starting on April 18 and running through April 24.

“I am very excited and honored to be selected to the U18 Japanese National Team,” said Yasuda. “I will do my best at the World Championships and hope to contribute to the team's victory.”

Director of Hockey John Toffey said this about Yasuda’s achievement, “Kei had an outstanding season for us at Cheshire Academy. His placement on the Japanese national team is well deserved. Any time an athlete has the opportunity to represent their country it is a monumental achievement. The entire Cheshire Academy community is extremely proud of Kei. In addition to being an outstanding hockey player, he is a honor roll student and model citizen at the Academy.”

The Elite Hockey Program at Cheshire Academy is a unique opportunity for students to play a full season of tier 1 hockey beginning in September and continuing to March.

“Kei is an incredibly smart and talented student. The Elite Hockey Program has allowed for him to participate in a full season of hockey, unlike other boarding school programs, but also get the private school education so many families desire today,” said Associate Head of School and Director of Admission Scott Pottbecker. “The program has helped the Academy reach new markets both domestically and internationally and offer up something unique and different to students and athletes that allow them to truly reach their full potential.”

 

Elite Hockey Academy's program director Peter Alden said this when asked about Yasuda:

"Kei is an outstanding hockey player and an even better person.  He has really developed into the type of reliable player that every team aspires to have.  I am positive he will represent his family, country and school in great fashion and we are extremely proud of him."

 

The ECEL Wishes Keitaro the best of luck in the World Championships!

 

For more information on the Elite Hockey Academy click here.