Self-belief enables Ethan Hehir to make lasting impression with Leeds Chiefs

The 18-year-old winger, from Durham, spent his formative years coming through the junior system at Billingham Stars, playing for the seniors team as soon as he turned 16.

When it came time for the English Ice Hockey Association to try and establish a more competitive second tier for the British game, Hehir knew he would have to move away in order to be a part of that new era.

Conversations with Chiefs’ player-coach Sam Zajac took place in the weeks after his appointment back in May and, before too long, the teenager was on board.

And while he admits there were a few pre-match nerves ahead of the curtain-raising season opener against Sheffield Steeldogs, there has been no repeat, Hehir comfortably adapting to his new surroundings.

Not only has he impressed his team-mates and coaches, but earlier this week, he clearly impressed those further afield when he was called up to Great Britain’s Under-20 squad for the World Championships in Vilnius in January.

It may have been a testing time for the Chiefs in their first-ever campaign - they currently sit bottom of the NIHL National standings and are still waiting for their Elland Road rink to be ready to play out of - but Hehir remains optimistic about what lies ahead, not just this season but further down the line.

“It was mainly the step up in quality with it being a new league that appealed to me,” said Hehir when explaining why he felt the need to fly the nest from Billingham. “It was definitely what I needed.

“Also, with it being a completely new team, that was another thing for me to look forward to.

“Then there was the new rink and although it’s not quite there yet, once it gets going I’m sure it will be amazing and it’s something I want to be part of. It’s a new start in a way.”

Despite those nerves at Ice Sheffield back in September, Hehir has always had confidence in his own ability, something strengthened by his performances so far

“I always knew deep down that I had it in me - that is why Sammy signed me, he believed in me. The first game I was pretty nervous but then after that I think I’ve done pretty well,” he added.

“Being here has helped me be more confident about myself and my ability. Sammy has given me plenty of chances to prove myself.

“And with playing three lines, I’m getting plenty of ice time which can only be good for my game.”

And in terms of the development of his game, that has only been helped by the wealth of experience all around him on the Chiefs’ roster.

“All the lads are experienced and help me along as they’ve been through it all before,” said Hehir. “James Archer is helping a lot, especially when I was playing alongside him last weekend.

“He tells me if he thinks I can do something different or better, he always looks to help me out and that is really helpful as he’s played at all the different levels in this country.

“And I take on board, whatever he says - playing with players like that is only going to help bring my game on further.”