Richard Vanderhoek's time in the Cowichan Valley was short, but it was a step on his way to international glory.
Vanderhoek, who played 25 games with the Cowichan Valley Capitals in the 2011/12 B.C. Hockey League season, helped Team Canada to the gold medal at the 2015 IIHF Inline Hockey World Championships last Saturday.
Canada beat host Finland 4-2 in the championship game to claim its first gold since 2012.
Vanderhoek was acquired from the Westside Warriors midway through the 2011/12 season and had 17 points on five goals and 12 assists in 28 games after scoring 27 points in 27 games with Westside. He went on to play pro hockey in the low minor leagues.