2023 ‘Hai He Cup’ International Youth Hockey Tournament
Tianjin, China
(July 20-27, 2023)
We participated in the 2023 ‘Hai He Cup’ International Youth Hockey Tournament with a shortlist of players, a mix of A-team and B-team players, and no goalie. The challenge was significant as the players weren’t accustomed to playing together. Despite this, their perseverance and commitment were evident, displaying remarkable maturity throughout the competition. While the tournament proved demanding for this particular team, it offered valuable experience that will undoubtedly motivate us to train rigorously and compete at a higher level in the future.
The U11 team faced similar challenges, being a blend of A-team and B-team players not accustomed to playing together. Struggles with chemistry, discipline, and defensive solidity were present. Despite these challenges, we found pride in the few victories achieved and viewed defeats as opportunities for learning. Looking forward, we aim to return stronger, ready to showcase our true capabilities.
Our U12 and U15 teams participated in the Tianjin tournament, hosted in two arenas: a 10,000-seater multipurpose arena and a smaller practice arena. Playing in a massive, professional-level arena with top-notch facilities was a fantastic experience.
In the U12 division, we had a great tournament, competing against strong teams from China. All games were close and exciting, resulting in a final record of 4 wins and 1 loss, including a victory in a penalty shot competition. It marked a triumphant conclusion for our 2010 and 2011-born players who worked together brilliantly.
The U15 division featured high-speed games with overseas players and Chinese teams, presenting a formidable challenge. Despite often struggling to get our game going, a lack of scoring ultimately hindered our chances of competing for medals. Nonetheless, our 2008 and 2009-born players demonstrated solid effort both on and off the ice, contributing to a memorable tournament experience.
