Ice-hockey: Streatham’s Milique Martelly selected by Great Britain U18s
BY DAVID CARR
Streatham’s teen sensation Milique Martelly celebrated a call up to the Great Britain U18 squad last week and then followed it up with a winning weekend with his RedHawks team mates to complete a joyous start to 2022.
Streatham took maximum points from a road trip to Romford then home game against Slough Jets with convincing 8-2 and 11-2 scorelines respectively.
Defence man Martelly, 17, has been the talk of the league this year following his eye catching performances in SW16, in a breakout season that has attracted attention from a number of clubs across the UK.
The latest reward for the Lewisham youngster’s mature displays in a Streatham jersey was a notification last Thursday that he will be flying out to Estonia in April for the World Championship Division II Group A tournament in Tallinn.
“Being called up for the GB U18 squad was an unreal feeling,” admitted the South Londoner, who grew up playing hockey in Streatham with the junior club.
“It’s an honour to be able to represent my country and from now, preparation is key to make sure I’m in the best condition possible when the tournament starts. We’ve got a a great bunch of players on and off the ice and we’re definitely looking to aim for gold this year.”
Before heading off on international duty, the youngster first has eyes on silverware with his home club, starting this weekend in a Britton Cup final match up against Invicta Dynamos.
It represents Streatham’s first chance this year to lift a trophy, and they already sit at the top of the league and are in pole position for the London Cup too.
These opportunities to lift trophies for a club that only recently ended a 38-year silverware drought at the beginning of the pandemic, represent great timing for Martelly, who has gone from a junior player to established blue liner in the space of a few months in Michael Farn’s side.
“Playing with the RedHawks so far this season has been such a great feeling and I have learnt so much in a short space of time,” said Martelly, who has also featured for MK Lightning in the National League as part of a two-way agreement.
“Playing with so many experienced and talented players usually can be quite daunting but everyone has allowed me to express myself and put their trust in me. Playing with Streatham has opened up a lot of paths for me in the future but I’m happy with where I am and the direction I’m going.”
The first leg of the cup final against the Dynamos takes place in Gillingham tomorrow before a return in Streatham on Sunday evening.