English striker ignites Lo-Ellen offence

BY SCOTT HADDOW

It's half way through a junior boys' soccer game and Lo-Ellen Park striker Corey McEwen has just picked up the ball at midfield.

He accelerates fast and drives by two opponents in a blur. Despite the furious speed he's propelling himself at, McEwen masterfully keeps the ball tight to his feet and out of harm's way.

Quickly, more opposing defenders charge out to thwart the rampaging McEwen. It's already too late.

McEwen has momentum now and he's stopping for nothing.

In a flash, he twists his body like an accordion, and deftly keeps the ball on his toes as he dekes past the two foes and gets into the open.

It's a graceful sight as he winds himself through the human blockade, leaving dejected opponents in his wake.
The goalkeeper is now the only one left standing in McEwen's way of a goal.

In full stride, McEwen unleashes a blistering shot.

The ball whistles through the air like a guided missile.

The goalie hurls his body into the air in a vain attempt to stop the rocket shot, but he's not quick enough as the ball scorches deep into the back of the net.

McEwen subtly pumps his fist at his side. It was a natural display of pure talent and determination. McEwen comes by it honestly, especially since he grew up in England, a country known as a soccer hotbed on the planet.

Yet he has strong Northern Ontario roots. His father, Doug, was born and raised in Elliot Lake and played hockey.

Eventually, Doug moved to England to play professional hockey in the 80s, competing for clubs such as the Cardiff Devils and the Peterborough Pirates, where McEwen was born.

Although born in a soccer saturated country, McEwen has followed his bloodlines and prefers the game of ice hockey over soccer. He also plays AA hockey and has high aspirations for the frozen game.

Recently his father, along with the family, came back to Canada and Northern Ontario to work in home construction. McEwen has been in Sudbury for three months and has become an integral component of the Lo-Ellen junior boys' soccer program this season.

He leads the team in goals and is one of the most feared strikers in the league.

Adjusting to life in the Nickel City and the local sports scene has been easy for McEwen.

"Soccer is called football in England, but it's still the same game," the 14-year-old said. "I have good teammates.

There's been no culture shock...things are much the same in Peterborough. I've had a great experience in Sudbury and at Lo-Ellen."

McEwen stands out like a sore thumb on the pitch. He can make jaws drop with his fancy moves conducted at high speeds and his ability to score goals.

"He's easily the best asset on our team," team captain Nic Topps said. "We call him McDangles because he can move and deke the ball around players with ease and make plays happen. He's a go-to-guy for us."

At any given time during a match, McEwen can explode offensively or open up space for teammates so they can ring up some goals.

His natural athleticism and vast skill set makes him a dangerous threat to change the outcome of a game.

"He has amazing skills and talent," coach Kelly Darling said. "He can really move and control the ball. He can move through defenders as if they were standing still. He has great game sense and can anticipate plays. He's not selfish and is always looking for the open teammate."

McEwen's job is to score goals and he delivers. From the opening whistle to the last second of a game, McEwen is on the field doing his best.

"We rely on him a lot," Darling said. "He usually plays the entire game. He's out there to score. He has a really powerful kick...he just needs to get some control on it."

McEwen doesn't see what all the fuss is about.

"In England, I'm average," the modest Grade 10 student said. "There's good players here though...tough competitors."

For now, McEwen will continue to help Lo-Ellen attain its goal of claiming a city championship.

Once the outdoor soccer season ends, McEwen will resume and focus all his energies into hockey. "I really love hockey and I want to go as far as I can with it."