GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands – A young man who learned to play hockey on Cayman Islands’ only roller hockey rink has achieved

what once seemed impossible—becoming the first Caymanian ever selected in the National Hockey League Draft.

Eighteen-year-old Jaxon Cover was chosen 32nd overall by the Ottawa Senators, making him the final first-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft and the first player from the Cayman Islands to hear his name called by an NHL franchise.

The achievement is remarkable not only because of where Cover comes from, but because of how recently he began playing on ice.

Growing up in Grand Cayman, Cover developed his skills playing roller and ball hockey, as the islands have no permanent ice rink. He did not lace up ice skates until he was 13 years old, yet within just five years had developed into one of the world’s top junior prospects.

Last season, the talented right winger starred for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, recording 52 points on 20 goals and 32 assists in 67 games, performances that caught the attention of NHL scouts.

His mother, Nanalie Cover, described the family’s emotions as “very thankful, grateful and humbled,” adding that she hopes her son’s journey becomes “a symbol of what we can do, and what is possible for all, irrespective of where they originate.”

The Cayman Islands Government also hailed the milestone, saying Cover had “redefined the boundaries” of Caymanian sport and demonstrated the limitless potential of the nation’s young people.

Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage Isaac Rankine called the draft selection “a proud and historic moment for the Cayman Islands,” saying Cover’s success will inspire a new generation of athletes to pursue their dreams, no matter how unconventional the path.

For a country better known for beaches than ice rinks, Jaxon Cover’s remarkable rise proves that talent, determination and opportunity can overcome even the most unlikely beginnings.

From a roller rink in the Caribbean to the bright lights of the NHL, Cayman has produced its first hockey trailblazer—and perhaps not its last.

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — The Academy Eagles FC were crowned champions of the Beaches sponsored Men’s Provo Premier League after securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over defending champions, SWA Sharks, at the Venetian Road football field.

In a match that featured a mix of youth and experienced players, the Academy Eagles eventually broke through late in the game when Jean Innocent found the back of the net in the 77th minute. Innocent doubled the lead in the 95th minute from the penalty spot to clinch the championship.

Academy Eagles head coach Aaron Lawrence expressed immense pride in his squad’s performance. “I applaud the team for their discipline throughout the season and their ability to stick to the plan heading into this game,” Lawrence shared, adding special praise for team captain Myherwens Varis for “following tactical instructions throughout the game.”

“This victory would not have been possible without the thoughtful support from our main sponsor, Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. This is the second year running with this relationship. This has provided exposure for the semi-professional players and the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association,” Lawrence noted.

On the opposing sideline, SWA Sharks coach Jack Watson was modest in defeat. While he noted that his team executed their strategy well, he recognized the Eagles’ determination. “I congratulate the Eagles team for wanting the win more,” Watson said. “We played to the game plan, but I fault a lapse in judgment that gave up two goals.”

Beaches Turks and Caicos, returning for a second year of sponsoring the competition, expressed ongoing dedication to youth football in the islands. General Manager Deryk Meany shared his enthusiasm, “I am satisfied with the impact that the league is having on youth development throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands and our resort’s involvement in fielding a team for the competition.” The final phase of the tournament now transitions to a knockout format among the eight participating clubs.

League executives also weighed in on the success of the season. Provo Premier League President, Phillip Baptiste, expressed his satisfaction with the league format and highlighted the significant progress made by the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) over the course of the tournament.

“This is what true success looks like as corporate partners like Beaches Turks and Caicos resort joins forces with the TCIFA in providing an avenue for youth development and sports. While we are happy for the continued sponsorship, we are anticipating more support from other entities. This is not only a win for sports, it is a win for development here in the TCI,” Baptiste shared.

TCIFA Technical Director Dane Ritchie echoed these positive sentiments, pointing to the league’s development as an avenue for showcasing local talent on a broader stage. “Our team continues to learn as they work on developing talents with the youth players, as well as providing a broader marketing avenue for the league to be seen internationally with FIFA+ streaming,” Ritchie said.

He added, “the TCIFA commends the growth of the coaching staff involved in the league and looks forward to further enhancing the competition to make them more competitive in the Caribbean leagues.”

Beaches FC and Cheshire Hall FC have both punched their tickets for the first two spots in the semifinals with a 2-0 win over Teachers’ Young Strikers and 5-0 thrashing of Provo United respectively in the first two quarter finals.

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — The Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Cricket Club has officially topped the preliminary round of the Turks and Caicos Islands Cricket Association T20 competition in spectacular fashion. The squad concluded this crucial phase with highly impressive statistics, establishing themselves as the undisputed team to beat moving forward.

Team captain Sidue Hunter has been heavily instrumental in guiding the squad through their impressive run, expressing deep confidence in their collective abilities. “I am very comfortable with the progress of the squad because we have been playing good, cohesive team cricket,” Hunter stated. He further highlighted the reason for the team’s success this season, “the different areas within the squad, batting, fielding and bowling have been truly representing themselves well out there on the pitch, this is the main reason for our success this season.”

Beyond his strategic captaincy, Hunter has led by brilliant example at the crease, currently topping the competition’s overall batting charts with a staggering 383 runs. However, he is certainly not carrying the offensive load alone, as the profound depth of the Beaches batting order has been a major factor in their high-scoring victories. Teammates Kenneth Lewis and Jerome Daley have provided critical support through the middle overs, securing their places among the league’s top ten highest run-scorers with 139 and 134 runs respectively.

On the defensive side of the pitch, the bowling attack has been effectively spearheaded by the exceptional form of Anthony ‘Moses’ McKnight. The talented bowler has successfully captured 11 crucial wickets so far in the tournament, consistently dismantling the top orders of rival clubs. Reflecting on the squad’s remarkable chemistry and raw talent this year, McKnight confidently noted, “the composition of the team this season is simply the best I have ever seen.”

General Manager Deryk Meany has actively praised the seamless transition of the resort’s collaborative culture onto the competitive cricket pitch. “The team has been showing the true strength of teamwork, as the maturity and experience they display within the different areas of the resort have seamlessly translated onto the field of play,” Meany explained. This unique corporate-athletic synergy highlights the profound benefits of balancing demanding professional responsibilities with competitive recreational sports.

The overarching success of the Beaches cricket team ultimately boils down to their unwavering mutual support and highly unified goals. Meany further emphasized this internal dynamic, proudly adding, “these players represent the true meaning of teamwork, constantly providing support for each other to produce the best possible results.” As the T20 competition inevitably advances into its later stages, this unified and disciplined front makes the club a heavily favoured contender for the championship title.