Henry York - Getting his shot on. Photo credit: Phil Taylor

Henry York debuted for the Caribou Canberra Brave in 2023, only to find himself playing huge minutes at the start of the 2024 season with a short roster.  As players returned from World Championships and Imports arrived in the Nation’s Capital, Henry turned his focus to his development at practice.
 
TAKING ON A BIGGER ROLE
“At the start of the year when we had less guys on the roster and less experience on the team, so I had to play a bigger role for the first time. I had never had those kinds of minutes before and it was exciting but it’s also hard. Obviously, you always want to play but it does also make you a bit nervous when you take on that responsibility for the first time.”

Anyone who has been around the team for long enough or spent some time in the VIP area lately would know that if there is a running commentary on the game or practice, it is probably coming from Henry.

“It’s hard as a young guy to have a voice but I’d like to think that I bring energy and keep things loose.”
 
FOCUSING ON DEVELOPMENT
“It’s easy to play less minutes in this team because we have such a tight group. I think the leaders in Kai, Casey, TK, Tets and Bayley make that really easy because they make you feel like you’re really contributing regardless of the minutes you’re playing.  It can be hard to go to practice all week and then sit on the bus and bench all weekend, but I don’t mind it because I enjoy hanging out with the guys so much and they make it easy.  I’m going overseas in September to hopefully get better and learn more. It’s kind of weird when you’re not playing as much – you don’t feel like you’re contributing but obviously you are in your own way. I just want to play more, get more experience and add what I can.”

Henry York - Looking for the next option. Photo credit: George Hain

TEAM CULTURE

The locker room culture at Brave is one that often bolsters the commitment of rookies and younger players, enhancing their development by keeping them engaged throughout the season, regardless of ice time.  “We all hang out off the ice which is important. We are always doing things together and I think it helps when we get into those tight games. We are so comfortable with each other so we can be honest with each other when there are things we need to improve on in the middle of a game. We hold each other accountable really well and it just works.”
 
“I think I gelled with the guys pretty quickly, especially Casey, Bayley and Tets which helps because they are such big voices. Everyone is really welcoming, and it is such a great environment to be a part of.”
 
INSPIRATION
Playing alongside some of the best local players in the league in the Kubara brothers, and standout imports such as Austin Cangelosi, continue to inspire Henry to remain focused on finessing his style of hockey.

“Casey has been a huge inspiration for me. He helps me out a lot on the ice and off the ice and I feel so comfortable talking to him about little things.  Maylan is also happy to help with any little pointers and is so open and happy to share. It is so easy to get better just at practice and by watching them because they are so encouraging and happy to talk to you about what they do in moments that matter.  I have learnt so much from Casey over the last two years and Maylan has helped take that further.”

Henry York - Looking good in Dijon. Photo credit: Verity Griffin