Tashkent, Uzbekistan, August 3, 2023: Jared Julian Nery turned 16 last month but he has already been identified as a prospect for the Philippine men’s national ice hockey team. It hasn’t gone to his head.
“I must keep working hard to become a senior player. It’s not easy. I practice four times a week after school at the Mall of Asia in Manila and have to continue to work on my skills,” says Jared soon after completing an hour-long training session at the OCA/IIHF Under16 Asian Ice Hockey Youth Camp in Tashkent.
Jared has big dreams. Playing for the Pinoy Mighty Ducks - named after the 1992 Disney Movie - is just one step in his campaign to one day play in the National Hockey League in North America.
“That is my ultimate goal. I dream every day of becoming a pro player in the NHL. I took up the sport when I was eight years-old after watching the NHL on television. I was hooked on the all-action game, and decided that one day I wanted to be in this league,” reveals Jared.
He will be hoping to emulate Dallas Stars left winger Jason Robertson, a Filipino American, who made waves in the NHL this season thanks to his quick hands, a broad field of vision and tremendous confidence.
A quicksilver forward, Jared has loads of confidence as he takes on bigger boys at the youth camp during a simulated match. Although just 5’5” and 53kg, Jared has loads of speed and skill as he put the puck in the net twice.
He is already on the roster of the Manila Bay Lightning, one of five teams in the Philippines Hockey League, and is the youngest player in the squad.
“I’m thrilled I was picked to represent the Philippines at this camp and I’m thrilled to be here. Of course, I’m learning new things every day and this is a good opportunity to meet other players from the region. Who knows, we might meet in the rink in the future,” laughs Jared.