LR Lancero II shines on ice

Ice hockey in the Philippines? Yes, of course!

It might have seemed a far-fetched idea in the past, but with the world becoming a much smaller place, there are more options now for kids looking to get into sports.

The far-fetched story of the Jamaican bobsled team in the Winter Olympics is now commonplace.

Lenard Rigel Lancero II is part of the new breed of athlete interested in the non-mainstream sport of ice hockey here.

LR and his national teammates are already making waves in the international scene, and they feel, the best is still on the horizon.

Philippine STAR: How did you start out in the sport of ice hockey?

Lenard Rigel ‘LR’ Lancero II: I first started ice-skating at the age of three. It was love at first skate. I did play other sports. I’m an active person — being able to sweat all day and night. I swim, bike and run to condition myself and even go to mountain bike trails in the provinces for a bit of adventure. Playing different kinds of sports helps me with my hockey career by keeping myself in the best performance possible.

What’s a typical day for you, training wise?

During training season, my teammates and I follow a specific off and on-ice routine for us to achieve our end goal. An ordinary training day usually starts at night when all my daytime errands for work are done.  Our ice hockey training starts at night around 9 p.m., when the SM Ice Rink closes. For the days that we do not have training in the rink, I head to the gym to work out my upper and lower body strength, plus a bit of high-intensive conditioning.

My week looks like this:

Sunday (on-ice training), Monday (gym), Tuesday (on-ice training), Wednesday (recovery day), Thursday (gym), Friday (gym), Saturday(cheat day!) (Smiles)

Is it special when you represent the country?

Honestly speaking, it is exactly like a dream come true.  It is every athletes dream to represent your own country. It is truly an amazing experience where it felt all your hardships and sacrifices paid off. All the years of training since I was young didn’t end up as a waste. If I had the chance to tell my younger self what I have accomplished and done, I don’t think he will believe it. Never have I thought I would be representing my country, never have I thought I would be here in this position. I am honored. #goals

What are the achievements you’ve had in the sport?

You know what? Besides the trophies and medals we have won as a team, we have achieved respect for the game. I myself learned to achieve discipline through the sport, along with sacrifice and most especially commitment.

Is it a bit frustrating that your sport doesn’t get the support and coverage it deserves, despite your success?

It is frustrating, yes. Ice hockey is still new in this country and it will take time. But it still won’t stop us from training hard and doing what we love.

What are the events you’re lined up to compete in 2018?

This 2018, the team is planning to join multiple tournaments in other Southeast Asian countries as a stepping-stone for the next SEA Games.

* * *

Follow me on twitter and Instagram @anthonysuntay, and like my Facebook page: Anthony Suntay.