JOE DARSEY AND BRANDON MARTIN BUSY ON THE ICE

Ice Hockey continues to grow in popularity in the Charlotte region. With the recent opening of Extreme Ice Center off Highway 74, the game seems to have picked up even more steam.  Two Ardrey Kell High School students, Joe Darsey and Brandon Martin are key members of the Charlotte Junior Checkers Midget 16U team.  The team recently won the 3rd Annual Martin Luther King Ice Hockey Tournament in Orlando, FL.

Joe, 15, has been playing hockey for eight years.  He is a Charlotte native and was introduced to the sport by a friend that moved here from New Jersey.  Joe plays Right Wing and practices twice a week with the Checkers.

Brandon, 15, has been playing since the age of five. He was introduced to the ice by a neighbor and has fallen in love with the game. Brandon plays Left Wing on the same line as Joe.

Joe has elected to play hockey year round and enjoys traveling to tournaments across the country.  On any given weekend, he can be found playing hockey in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina or here at home. 

“I really enjoy playing with the Checkers, we have built a really good team and it’s a lot of fun to go win tournaments. Each year more people come out to play hockey.”

Joe’s father Mike volunteers to run the penalty box at a lot of the games. Fortunately for Joe he hasn’t spent much time in the penalty box.

Brandon also plays hockey year round and works hard to improve his game.  Brandon has tried other sports, but notes “hockey is where his heart is.” He has set his sights on doing well in the District Tournament this season.

“The Checkers are the best team in the Carolinas and we want to do well this season. We work hard in practice and it’s a lot of fun to travel to the tournaments.”

These two hockey players are just a part of one of the fastest growing sports in the area.  When others are outside enjoying warm weather in the spring, summer and fall, they are inside a cold ice rink, skating with full pads, working hard to improve their games.  The South Charlotte Sports Report commends Joe and Brandon for being champions of their sport and we wish them the best in upcoming games.