Catching up with the youngest teen on the Boys team – Taylor Curran
March 6, 2010
By Cecilia-Carter Smith
I’m impressed. He’s 17 years old – still in high school – and a member of Canada’s senior men’s national field hockey team. He’s playing hooky to play hockey in Delhi, India at the Hero Honda FIH World Cup. With permission, of course.
Taylor Curran is bright. And lessons learned at the FIH World Cup will far exceed lessons learned in the classroom. I’m certain Taylor and his family agree.
Taylor is a mature, grounded young man who clearly understands process. “The important part about events like this (FIH World Cup) is not a particular moment but, rather the entire experience,” said the North Vancouver’s Argyle Secondary School student. “The World Cup is all about learning and the experience.
“I’m just going to try to understand, and evaluate everything that happens, and learn what I can (from the experience). I’m hoping that the lessons I learn in this World Cup will help me in the future with the senior team, as well as the upcoming junior team.”
The experience of the FIH World Cup opening game between rivals India and Pakistan has been a memorable one for the team’s youngest member. “The India-Pakistan game that we watched (as a team) was a highlight,” said the North Van. resident. “The stadium was packed with a noisy, rowdy Indian crowd. It was an unbelievable atmosphere unlike anything I have ever seen at a hockey game.”
Curran remembers going to UBC as a youngster to watch Canada play Chile in a series of games. “I was absolutely blown away by the speed of the game, the skill of the players, and the level of hockey.
“I looked up to a lot of players that I’m playing with (especially Rob & Kenny). It’s really amazing for me to be playing with these same guys at that same level only a few years later.”
The prospective UBC student added, “Making the (senior national) team was a huge highlight (for me) as well as making the San Diego Tour and this World Cup. And – scoring my first international goal (against US in my 23rd game) was a huge highlight, too but, also a big relief (because it took so long).”
Said the engaging Curran, “Obviously, my 1st cap (3-2 win over Russia) was an important moment, too.”
Taylor commented on the Australian national team’s resounding 12-0 victory over South Africa. "Our loss to Australia sorta makes us feel a bit better. You knew if anyone could beat the record for most goals scored it would the Aussies. They’re great goalscorers, plus they never seem to shut down."
Taylor Curran is running with some mighty cool company in India. But, back at Argyle Secondary School he has connections to some very famous faces, too: Bryan Adams, Jason Priestley, Paul Kariya, and Brett Hull are all alum of North Vancouver’s Argyle Seconday School. Famous connections indeed.
