CKPG in Prince George recently ran a report on 15-year-old Adam Kingsmill, a Smithers, BC native and goaltender that was attending a Cariboo Cougars evaluation camp. On the outside he simply looks like another young, promising goaltender trying to make his way – but Kingsmill’s story is far from typical.

When he was only two years old, he lost his right leg in a lawnmower accident. After struggling initially with a prosthetic leg, he began to walk. Then he began to skate. Finally, his love for goaltending took over, and now his parents can’t keep him off the ice.

In a recent interview with Hockey Canada, Kingsmill spoke about how much he loves being a goaltender, and the unique challenges that he faces due to his prosthetic leg.

“I just fell in love with it,” says Kingsmill. “You’re on your own and I think I like that aspect of being a goalie, that you’re the last line of defence. I don’t know what it is about it, if it’s the big saves – I just love it.”

“I feel really normal on the ice, but there’s a few times where it would be nice to be able to bend my ankle,” he says. “There’s a few times on the post I’m shaky, but I’m working on that. I’m getting better every ice time.”

Here’s the full CKPG TV report:

Young Adam Kingsmill’s story serves as a true inspiration to all goaltenders, young and old. If you love and have a passion for the sport you play, nothing should stand in the way.

Kingsmill will be trying out for the Smithers Storm’s Midget rep team later this month, and is putting all of his effort into making the Cariboo Cougars next year.