Nexus Athlete Spotlight: Vlad’s Ice Hockey Journey

Sport plays an important part in life at Nexus International School Singapore, helping learners build resilience, confidence, leadership and meaningful connections through shared experiences. Across our curriculum and co-curricular programmes, learners are encouraged to embrace challenges and continue developing their individual passions.

One learner doing exactly that is our Year 3 learner, Vlad, who joined Nexus after moving to Singapore from Russia. Already an experienced ice hockey goalie from a young age, Vlad has continued pursuing his passion for the sport while adapting to a new country. As an ice hockey goalie, Vlad wears approximately 10 kilograms of protective equipment every time he steps onto the ice, a remarkable feat for an athlete his age.

With fewer opportunities for ice hockey in Singapore, Vlad and his family began looking for ways for him to continue training and competing. Recognising his talent and commitment, Nexus helped connect him with the school’s floorball programme, where he could apply many of his existing skills while embracing a new sporting challenge. Now the youngest learner in the Nexus floorball team, Vlad regularly trains alongside learners as old as 18, demonstrating a level of resilience, determination and skill far beyond his years.

A Passion for Sport from an Early Age

Vlad began playing ice hockey at just three and a half years old before specialising as a goalie a few years later. Since moving to Singapore, he has continued pursuing his love for sport, becoming part of the Nexus swim and floorball teams while also finding new ways to continue developing as an athlete.

Despite the challenges of limited ice hockey opportunities in Singapore, Vlad and his family remained determined to help him continue training and competing.

Finding New Opportunities at Nexus and Beyond

After conversations between Head of Primary Years Programme Paul Rimmer, Vlad’s family, and Nexus floorball coach, Coach Ogawa, a unique opportunity emerged.

Recognising Vlad’s exceptional skill level, mindset and commitment to the sport, Coach Ogawa and the Nexus Athletics team made a special exception for him to join the Nexus floorball team, despite the programme usually only being open to Secondary learners from Years 7–13.

Now, at just eight years old, Vlad trains weekly alongside learners nearly twice his age.

For Vlad, competing alongside older athletes is something he actively enjoys.

“It is more interesting to play with older learners because they have more knowledge and experience,” he explained.

Coach Ogawa has been impressed not only by Vlad’s ability, but also by the attitude he brings to every training session.

“Vlad is a very resilient athlete,” shared Coach Ogawa. “He is an amazing player and has adapted incredibly well to training with older learners. His passion, skills and determination have become a positive influence on the whole team.”

Vlad’s commitment to hockey also extends far beyond school. Over the past year, he has been invited to play hockey for multiple teams across the region, particularly in Thailand, where his performances as a goalie have earned him a strong reputation. 

Often stepping in as a guest goalie for teams in need of one, Vlad has gained valuable experience playing alongside and against athletes from different clubs and countries. Each new team presents a different challenge, requiring him to quickly understand team dynamics, adapt to different playing styles and build trust with teammates he may have only just met. For Vlad, however, this is all part of the excitement of the sport, giving him opportunities to learn, grow and make new connections through hockey.

Most recently, Vlad was recognised as the Best Goalie at an international tournament in Bangkok. The award was based on official competition statistics, including save percentages and overall performance throughout the event, making the achievement an especially proud moment in his young sporting career.

Adapting and Growing Through Sport

While floorball differs from ice hockey in many ways, Vlad has embraced the challenge of adapting his skills to a new environment.

“In floorball, it is harder to move around the goal area compared to skating,” he said. “But I still use techniques from hockey, like pushing with my knees and sliding.”

His dedication to improvement extends beyond team training sessions. Vlad continues to practise regularly outside of school through stretching, reaction training and goalie drills designed to sharpen his reflexes and technique.

According to his mother, sport has played an important role in helping him grow both personally and socially.

“He is very passionate and focused,” she shared. “Playing hockey, especially with so many different teams, gives him opportunities to meet new friends, travel and challenge himself.”

Whether learning a new sport, adapting to different teams or competing alongside older athletes, Vlad approaches every challenge with a positive mindset.

“The most important thing is not giving up,” he said. “I just keep going.”

It is a philosophy that has helped him continue developing as both a player and a teammate, regardless of the challenges that come with competing in different environments and alongside athletes of varying ages and experience levels.

Supporting Learners Beyond the Classroom

For Vlad, this is only the beginning of his journey. With more tournaments, training sessions and opportunities ahead, he continues to inspire both teammates and coaches alike, proving that determination and passion can make a big impact at any age.

At Nexus, learners are encouraged to explore their interests, pursue their passions and grow through a wide range of sporting and co-curricular opportunities. From competitive athletics to recreational activities, there is something for every learner.

Learn more about Sport and CCAs at Nexus International School Singapore.