A once in a lifetime opportunity many players will strive for but never get - a chance to become a professional at a sport you love.

For Airdronian Jon Stewart, that dream is a reality. Stewart has played for 14 years total playing hockey, spending a little time in GMHL in Ontario, but mostly playing in the Airdrie Minor Hockey League. 

"Its just a once in a lifetime experience. Not many people experience playing hockey at a high level. Not many get to experience playing hockey in a different country. I mean, It was a big thing to play in a different province this year and its going to be big to play in a different country next year."

At the end of August, Stewart will travel to Sweden to begin his first season playing with a semi-professional team. The Lysekils Hockey Viking, based out of Sweden have signed Stewart to one year contract as a defensemen in the Swedish Division Three Hockey League.

Stewart says he's excited to go, but he's happy to have friends on the team

"Going to be a good experience. Two of my friends from Ontario are on the same team, so, I mean, I'm going to be familiar with some of the people."

Though he hasn't booked his departure flight quite yet, Stewart has plans to leave Airdrie for Sweden in late August. 

 

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