Work Ethic Pays Dividends For Webster

Perth Thunder young gun Kieren Webster has undergone some major development as a player over the past several seasons.

Playing as a rookie in the Australian Ice Hockey League for the Thunder has paid off, with the young forward being selected alongside Thunder team mate Jamie Woodman to compete as part of the Australian Mighty Roos at the IIHF World Championships in Romania in April.

A former Australian junior representative, Webster is expecting a shift in competitiveness and physicality as he transitions to senior level.

“Moving up from the under 21 team to the men's team I'm anticipating that the level of hockey will be much higher,” Webster said. “The bodies I will be up against will be bigger and the vision the guys will have will be greater and more well-rounded than of those in the younger national teams.”

For Webster, hockey is more than a physical game; it is a mental one.

“I have to prepare myself mentally and physically to really be able to transition to the next level comfortably” Webster said.

Webster had a successful tournament with the under 20 team in Finland in January, and he feels this will assist his transition into senior level in 2017.

“I feel like it's a small stepping stone in the direction to seniors but I know the men's team is a complete step up from juniors” he said.

Webster has been living and breathing hockey for the past four years, with no offseason in four years.

He has gone from playing at home with the Perth Thunder in the AIHL to the Australian Junior Ice Hockey League over summer and has been a key member of the Vermont Lumberjacks at EHL Elite Level for the past two seasons.

Webster described the experience of playing junior hockey in the United States as second to none.

“I've met so many new mates, and been able to skate with a great team all season” Webster said. “I’m on the ice for practice at least six times during the week and having two games on the weekend is the added bonus.”

After the World Championships wrap up, Webster is looking forward to being back on home soil for another season with the Perth Thunder.

“I'm looking forward to playing with my team mates again” Webster said. “We have a great group of guys in the locker room and it's always fun to be around them, talk hockey and have a laugh.”

The IIHF Division II Group A World Championships begin on April 3. For more information, head to http://www.iihf.com/competition/600/