Santino Pedulla is a 4th grader in the Whitesboro school district and he's been playing hockey since he could walk.

Now at just 10 years old, his hockey team will make history as they travel to Russia next week.

Santino has made hockey part of his life for almost as long as he's been walking. First learning to skate at the New Hartford Recreation Center then playing with the Whitestown Wolfpack.

For the past several years, he's been a defenseman for the Syracuse Nationals, a AAA Tier 1 one hockey team.

The game has brought Santino and his family all over the United States and Canada. Now it'll take him on a journey of a lifetime across the ocean.

The Albany Capitals will be the first team in the tournament's 8-year history to represent Team USA and Santino couldn't be more excited.

"On a scale form 1 to 10, probably a 10," said Santino.

"Well I guess we're gonna make history to be the first ones to represent the U.S. in Russia in the EuroChem Cup so it's pretty exciting," said Santino's dad Dominick. "I've never been to Russia. Everbody I know who has been there, can't wait to go back so if that's anything, I'm excited to go."

Santino and his dad are set to leave for Russia on Wednesday, May 23. Besides getting to play hockey, the Pedulla's will also get a chance to sightsee.