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2023 Mega Ice Hockey 5’s Youth Tournament

Hong Kong

(April 23-29, 2023)

As the only team from Hong Kong in the MI5 U7 division, our HK Selects U7 Team’s journey in this highly competitive tournament began with a challenging match against the Flying Tigers from Shenzhen, China. Despite their evident advantage in skating and skills from practicing three hours weekly, we put up a strong fight, losing the game 6-4. The Dream Land Star from Beijing, the ultimate tournament winners, showcased unmatched talent, defeating us 10-1 and a previous opponent 9-1. Our third game against the Bangkok Zeus ended in a 5-9 loss, but our resilience was evident as we scored four goals in the final period. Despite three initial losses, we faced the formidable Beijing Team in the semi-final, resulting in a 13-1 defeat. Throughout, we emphasized the importance of spending more time on the ice together while maintaining a positive mindset of hard work and camaraderie.

With one full line of players of playup players in our U9 HK Selects White Team, we proudly hold the distinction of being the youngest squad in the MI5 U9 division. Our tournament journey commenced against HK Junior’s A team, and our B team’s impressive 6-0 victory set a positive tone. However, facing KPK, a formidable team combining Mainland China and Hong Kong talents, proved challenging, resulting in a 10-0 loss. The second day brought success with an 8-1 triumph against Jr Tigers and a convincing 10-1 win against Swot Team, concluding the first round with 3 wins and 1 loss. In the semi-final, a rematch with HK Junior A resulted in a 6-0 victory, earning us a spot in the division final. Unsurprisingly, we faced KPK again, and while we kept the first period close, ultimately losing 4-0, our resilience was evident, especially considering a prior 10-0 defeat. We can take pride in our MI5 journey.

Our U9 HK Selects Blue Team made a strong tournament start with a 16-0 victory over HK Junior AA, showcasing solid performance. Facing the future division champions, Flying Tigers from Shenzhen, on the next day resulted in a well-fought 3-1 loss, acknowledging their superior skills from dedicated 3-hour weekly practice—a practice we aim to adopt. A third-day match against Wuhan Ice Dragon ended in a tense 2-2 tie. In the quarter-final rematch with Wuhan, we took control, securing a 5-2 victory. However, the journey concluded in the semi-final against formidable Flying Tigers, losing 4-1. Reflecting on the game, we recognize the potential for victory with a stronger fighting spirit—a lesson to keep working and be prepared for crucial games, turning this defeat into a stepping stone for growth and improvement.

The U11 HK Selects White Team kicked off the tournament with a commanding 7-0 victory over Jr Tigers (HK), displaying a solid performance from this mostly first-year U10 squad. The offensive momentum continued in the second game against Bangkok Zeus, resulting in an 18-0 win. Despite a tougher challenge from Taipei Tigers in the third game, marked by their fast and skillful players, we secured a 5-2 victory. Progressing to the playoffs, we dominated the quarter-final against HK Junior Team A with an 11-0 win. However, the semi-final against Taipei Tigers proved to be a nail-biter. Although we managed to equalize 3-3 by the end of regular play, Taipei Tigers’ dominance and confidence grew. The game extended into overtime without goals, leading to a decisive penalty shootout. Unfortunately, we lost the shootout, concluding the tournament with a sense of regret.

The U11 HK Selects Blue Team, long-awaiting a special tournament delayed by COVID, was determined not to let anyone seize the trophy. Starting with a strong 13-0 victory against HK Junior AA, they set the tone. Facing Wuhan Ice Dragon, they played confidently, securing a 10-1 win, and dominated the crossover game against Bangkok Zeus with a 10-0 triumph. These victories propelled them to the division’s top spot, allowing them to skip the quarterfinals and head straight to the semifinals. Facing Wuhan Ice Dragon again, they won 7-2, securing a spot in the dream final. Celebrating goals with the crowd turned the final into an electric party, concluding with an 8-1 victory and the long-awaited trophy and red hats.

Our U13 HK Selects proudly represented both the A and B divisions in the 2023 MI5 tournament, featuring competitive teams from Hong Kong, Taipei, China, and Thailand.  U13 HK Selects A team faced formidable opponents in the group stage, triumphing over local HKIHA (4-2) and Shanghai (4-0) with controlled gameplay, active offense, and solid defense led by five players and our resilient goalie. In the crossover game, we secured a swift 6-0 victory against the Icebreakers from Thailand. In the semi-final against Shanghai, despite a tight game, we fell short, losing 3-1, with the last goal scored into an empty net.

Meanwhile, our U13 HK Selects B Team demonstrated dominance until Taipei Tigers proved a formidable adversary. Recognizing them as our semifinal opponent, the first encounter served as a learning experience. However, in the semi-final, we conceded two quick goals, and our recovery fell short, resulting in a semi-final loss for both of our teams. The tournament showcased a high level of competition, and we eagerly anticipate the challenge of returning to the MI5 tournament next year.

The MI5 U15 division, comprising HKIHA, North Stars, and HK Selects, unfolded as an engaging tournament with closely contested games in the round-robin stage.  North Stars secured the final spot based on superior goals-allowed statistics, setting the stage for a semifinal clash against local rival HKIHA for our determined U15 HK Selects Team. From the tournament’s outset, our team showcased unity and growing confidence, aspiring to be serious contenders for the gold medal. In the semifinal, solid goaltending and effective play from all three lines led to a decisive victory. Approaching the final against North Stars with a hint of the underdog, we were ready for the challenge. The pivotal first goal denied North Stars confidence, and we maintained control for a triumphant 3-1 victory, sparking jubilant celebrations. Throughout the tournament, exceptional individual efforts, cohesive team play, and stellar goaltending proved instrumental in securing our victory.