AYRSHIRE’S RISING STARS
MYLO WYLIE
Gill Sherry
All of our sporting heroes had to start somewhere. Most of them started at a very young age, dedicating hours to their chosen sport in pursuit of success. At Ayrshire Magazine, we recognise the commitment of young people who follow their dreams in the sporting world and invite you to celebrate the achievements of Ayrshire’s young athletes in our new ‘Rising Stars’ feature.
We begin with Mylo Wylie, a student at Belmont Academy who, inspired by his grandad, developed a love for ice-hockey.
“My papa took me to the ice rink in Kilmarnock one day. I started skating and I loved it… and I’ve loved it ever since.”
“His papa is 79 years old and he’s still playing his hockey!” Mylo’s mum, Karen, tells me.
Mylo is 15 years old. He started skating at the age of four and began playing ice hockey at just five years of age.
“I play with Kilmarnock Junior Ice Hockey Club, but I’ve recently signed with Kilmarnock Thunder for the senior team that play in the Scottish National League. I’ve been given special dispensation to play at 15, because you normally need to be 16 to play in the adult league.”
Presumably that’s because he’s so good?
He responds with a modest laugh but it’s obvious the answer is yes. Having spent ten years mastering the core skills of ice hockey, it’s no wonder he’s attracting attention within the sport. And it’s just as obvious that he clearly loves to play.
“Ever since I started skating, I’ve always wanted to be at the rink… and I’ve always looked forward to my games at the weekend. It’s just my happy place.”
What is it that he enjoys the most?
“I’ve been all over the world. I’ve been to America… I’ve been to Chicago twice. It’s given me many opportunities to see places, but also to see how competitive it is all across the world. Also, the people I’ve met… I know people up and down the country and across the world. I’ve made a lot of friends from it as well.”
“It’s a family sport,” says Karen. “We all enjoy it. Mylo has two brothers – one of them plays hockey as well – and they love to go and support their brother. It’s a good family sport for us all.”
Which is just as well, seeing as it’s his parents who drive here, there and everywhere!
“He’s all over the country,” says Karen. “His main team is Kilmarnock, but he also plays for Scotland and he plays with UK Select, so he’s all over the place. Me and my husband have to take him. The only night he gets off is a Monday night.”
Training and matches take up much of his time, but he also spends time at the gym.
“I’ve got programmes that give me specific stuff to work on, so I try to get to the gym a few times a week. The gym side of stuff and how I eat and how I keep fit is down to me, but on the ice, it’s one hundred per cent down to my coaches. The coaches I’ve had through the years have definitely impacted my performances and made me a hundred times better.”
And resulted in him representing this country?
“I’ve been playing for Scotland for
about three years now. There’s trials every year but I’ve had the opportunity to be picked every year and play. I’ve been to Latvia with Scotland and to Slovakia. This year I’ve been given the opportunity to play with the Under 17s… which is good. Also, we play Scotland versus England tournaments. We play sometimes in Dumfries at their ice rink, and sometimes in Sheffield. It’s good to showcase your skills up and down the country.”
I dare to ask if the Scotland v England rivalry is the same as in other sports – I’m sure my English accent hasn’t gone unnoticed…
“A lot of us know each other from playing against each other, but as much as we’re friends it’s definitely still high intensity… a friendly competitiveness. There’s always a good atmosphere around the ice rink as well. It’s good to play against England, and especially to beat England!”
I guess I asked for that!
So, what’s next for Mylo? What are his goals for 2026 and beyond?
“I would obviously like to play professionally and play abroad in America or somewhere. It’s everyone’s dream to play in the top leagues… the National Hockey League definitely. There’s been a few opportunities to go abroad. It’s definitely something that I want to continue to try and do.”
How does Karen feel about Mylo’s proposed stint abroad?
“I’m quite excited about it because he’s so passionate about his ice hockey and has been from a young age. His dream, for a number of years, is to get abroad and play, so now he’s getting older and accessing different clubs, it’s quite exciting.”
For young, ambitious athletes like Mylo, having the support of your family is crucial and he’s fortunate that his parents and siblings are behind him in his pursuit of success. Not forgetting his papa, who is his grandson’s number one fan, and Mylo’s own sporting hero.
“There’s a few players I like, but I’d definitely say my papa is my hero. He’s been there with me the whole time. He’s always at my games, and he’s always there watching and helping me on every part of my journey.”
Has that journey ever involved an injury – accidental or otherwise? Because let’s be honest, ice hockey does have a reputation for violence.
“Definitely not!” he laughs. “I play against men in their thirties, so I try to stay away from any bother. I don’t want a big bruise on my face!”
“Lucky enough, Mylo’s not been involved in any of that physical stuff,” Karen adds.
Playing with and against older players does have its advantages, though. Not only is he constantly gaining experience, he’s getting stronger, faster and better at his chosen sport. And although he’s yet to win what he refers to as ‘something big’ his final comment is a positive one: “Hopefully that’s to come.”
I’m sure it is.
