DIDSBURY - Ryder Riedel from Didsbury has qualified for the Alberta Winter Games in ice hockey. Riedel, a student at Westglen School, qualified for the Zone 2 team in December.
Riedel, who plays for the Olds Grizzlys Pee Wee AA team, said the tryout, which took place in Olds in December, was very competitive.
"We played a couple of games and worked on skills," said Rideau. "It was the hardest tryout I had ever been to."
Riedel is a busy fellow. In addition to school and other sports, his Olds Grizzlys team practises twice a week and he also has morning skate three times a week. He also helps coach his younger brother's team.
Riedel, who plays centre, has been playing hockey for eight years and enjoys it very much.
"I love playing hockey because I love competition and battling to win, especially when all your friends are on the same team," he said.
During the Alberta Winter Games hockey competition, which goes Feb. 14-17 in Airdrie, Riedel is hoping to score a few points, make some friends and have lots of fun.
Hockey isn't the only sport for Riedel. He also enjoys basketball, volleyball, skiing, golf, baseball, track and field, cross-country and mountain biking.
One of the biggest sports highlights for Riedel was winning the provincial hockey championship with his Didsbury Atom AA team.
Riedel's idol is Edmonton Oilers star forward Connor McDavid because he's a "fast and amazing hockey player and a great teammate."
