Barnstable Academy Sophomore Receives National Recognition for Stellar Ice Hockey Career
CHINA News Team on Barnstable Campus
Oakland, January 14, 2015 – Three years ago, Derek Li landed on U.S. soil with only three years of ice hockey experience. For the past three years, he has been playing competitively in the United States and most recently for the Jr. Avalanche based out of Hackensack. Li, a sophomore at Barnstable Academy in Oakland, visited his homeland China for the Christmas holiday. While in China, he tried out for the Chinese Under-18 National Hockey Team and was invited to become a member. The hockey forward will be joining his country and playing in the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Spain this April. His team is expected to compete against Bulgaria, Israel, Mexico, and Russia.
Li is one of only three members of the team currently living and attending school in the United States while all remaining members of the team reside in China. Li will be traveling back to China in March to begin team practice. “I’m honored to be representing my country at this special event,” expressed Li. “I never dreamed this would happen to me, but I’m excited for this opportunity,” he added.
“Like many of our students, Derek benefits from the flexible scheduling that Barnstable Academy offers,” explained Ms. Dani Ryckman, Head of School. “We are able to support students who have outside interests and talents to promote a more meaningful experience.”
Recently, China Central Television Sports Channel – Channel 5+ CCTV interviewed Li, Li’s family, as well as students and faculty of Barnstable Academy. The interview will be aired sometime in February.
Barnstable Academy is located at 8 Wright Way in Oakland, New Jersey and provides an alternative college preparatory education to students in grades 5 through 12. For more information about Barnstable’s unique approach to middle school and high school education, please call (201) 651-0200 or visit www.barnstableacademy.com