A CRIMINOLOGY student is defying the laws of recovery after fighting back to fitness to play his chosen sport of ice hockey.
Leighton Wilkinson, a Level 3 criminology student at Darlington College, plays semi-professionally for Billingham Buccaneers and in the England showcase team.
But in recent times he has had to recover from an injured leg and, after returning to play, a broken his wrist.
“I’ve suffered one injury after another,” said Leighton, 17, from Bedale, North Yorkshire.
“Last October I suffered a leg injury and was out until January and as soon as I returned I broke my wrist. It’s been mentally challenging to keep going with the sport but with the resilience I have gained from playing all these years I’ve managed to come back.”
Leighton took up ice hockey 10 years ago and has used it to teach himself discipline, determination and resilience.
Over the years he has become a critical player and goal-scorer. This season alone he has scored nine goals, with four assists, in 10 games.
He also played up to the senior team where he scored his first goal on his 18th birthday. Progressing through the team from U14s to U19s, Leighton has been captain twice and assistant captain four times.
During his U16s period he had the chance to play in the England showcase team in a tournament where the best players were picked to represent England and GB.
His U19s head coach Michael Johnson said: “I have witnessed Leighton recover from his injuries by working hard to regain his fitness level, mobility and also his shot selection and accuracy.
“All of this has accelerated Leighton's progression to the player he has become this season. He has broken into the Buccaneers D2 Senior squad and has scored his first goal already.”
He predicted Leighton could soon see the Billingham Stars reach out to him and him being selected for the D1 Squad in the not too distant future.
Michael said: “On practice sessions, Leighton puts in 100 per cent every time and is a very coachable member of the U19s squad. During games Leighton has earned his line one forward position. He shows great ability and his movement on and off the puck shows great awareness of the game. He also gives advice to younger teammates passing on his knowledge to help his younger team mates improve on their game.”
Programme leader and senior lecturer in Level 3 Criminology, Policing and Law Neil Parry said: “Leighton has managed to balance his sporting interests with his love of ice hockey very well, not something easily done on such an academic course.
“He is keen to pursue a career in criminal law and has recently enquired about a scholarship opportunity with Stephenson Harwood, an international law firm with offices in London, Athens, Dubai, Hong Kong, Paris, Seoul and Singapore, and is hoping to enrol on a three-year undergraduate law degree.”
Andrew Manners, Darlington College’s TASS Dual career coordinator, added: “Leighton is just one of many talented athletes we have here at Darlington College and going forward we look forward to supporting him with both his academic studies and exciting sporting career in ice hockey.”