“He Is Extremely Competitive”: Brothers' Lockdown Hobby Becomes Provincial and International Success

• Two brothers began their journey together at the same skating academy, but chose different sports
• The 14-year-old reached a level that few players his age achieve
• The brothers built their progress and success stories from scratch

Phoenix and Connor Howie are brothers who have built impressive sporting careers on the ice after first discovering skating following the Covid-19 lockdown. With no family background in ice sports, the pair started in the same beginner programme before splitting into different disciplines.

What began as a casual activity at Northgate rink has now turned into high-level competition on two different tracks, with both brothers excelling in their chosen sports. Connor into figure skating and Phoenix into ice hockey.

Phoenix, 14, has been selected to represent Gauteng in the U16, U18, and U20 ice hockey first teams at the 2026 Inter-Provincial Tournaments (IPTs), a rare achievement for a player of his age. He says:

Read also

‘He really loved rugby’: Heartbroken family remembers Chad Steyn after tragic passing

“I am very proud to have achieved this and very excited for the opportunity to represent Gauteng...It is a huge accomplishment as I am much younger than most of my teammates, especially in the U20 team.”

Ice sports that build discipline and sibling support

Briefly News reached out to the siblings to learn more about what drives them in their respective ice sports and how their shared environment has shaped their bond.

Ice hockey player Phoenix explained what keeps him motivated despite the demands of the sport.

“Ice hockey is really fun for me so that makes it so much easier to keep going when the training and games are tough. I want to improve all the time and I get a great sense of achievement from getting better and better at the sport.”

He also shared advice for younger players hoping to reach provincial level.

“Just keep at and mainly have fun. You don’t have to be (tough) on yourself and work yourself into the ground. Just do your best while having fun.”

Figure skater Connor spoke about what he enjoys most about his discipline.

Read also

‘A light in the arena’: SA Showjumping world mourns beloved coach Michael Blom

“What I enjoy most is the combination of athleticism and artistry. I love challenging myself to learn new skills and improve my technique, while also being able to express myself through my performances. There’s a great sense of achievement when a program comes together after weeks or months of practice.”

He also reflected on how their shared involvement in ice sports has strengthened their relationship as siblings.

“Being involved in ice sports has brought my brother and me closer together because we understand the commitment, hard work, and sacrifices that come with training and competing. Even though he plays ice hockey and I do figure skating, we support each other at competitions or games and understand the challenges each of us faces.”

Putting in the work on different ice

Phoenix says competing in older age groups has required him to adjust to a more physical and demanding style of play, which he describes as challenging due to his size and age. He adds that the increased physicality at higher levels can be intimidating when facing older and bigger opponents while competing for the puck.

While Phoenix is rising through ice hockey ranks, Connor has been competing internationally in figure skating, recently returning from a successful European competition circuit. Despite their different paths, both say their progress has come from self-motivation and discipline.

Read also

Mini Jonasi? Youngster's spot-on performance in video has social media crying with laughter

Phoenix’s school says his development shows strong focus both on and off the ice. Dave Short, Deputy Head at Reddam House Helderfontein, stated:

“We were pleasantly surprised when he was also selected for the U20 first team. He is extremely competitive and motivated to perform at a high level.”

Looking ahead, Phoenix wants to take his ice hockey further and possibly play overseas while studying.

Benefits of ice hockey

Ice hockey offers more than fast-paced action on the ice. The sport helps improve fitness, strength, coordination, and flexibility while also supporting mental well-being by reducing stress. It also teaches important life skills such as teamwork, communication, and discipline, and creates an inclusive environment where players can build friendships and feel part of a community.

More Briefly News Stories on young achievers

• A young South African used anti-foreigner sentiment in his area as an opportunity to start a business, taking over vacated informal trading spaces and attracting public attention for turning a tense situation into an entrepreneurial move.
• A young creator has gone viral after building a fully functional mini washing machine from simple materials like cardboard and bottles, demonstrating it on camera and impressing viewers who praised the invention.
• A Johannesburg matric student has self-published two books while still in high school, turning her passion for writing into a creative achievement that she developed alongside her studies and credits to consistency and self-belief.

Source: Briefly News