A Taste of Hong Kong
An American ice hockey player passing by Hong Kong tells about Hong Kong ice hockey in his eyes.
A man, 23 years young steps through a sliding glass door into an airport after 15 long, cramped and question filled hours inside an airplane. The origin? New York City, New York. The destination? Hong Kong. The first look at signs with writing of a language that is not understood, the mobs of people around the baggage claim and fast moving traffic are all things which this young man is about to experience for the very first time.
His name is Robert Kang, a Korean American ice hockey player from Glen Rock, New Jersey. He began playing hockey at the age of 7, just like any other typical child does, but worked hard in improving his game, and made it to a level which is not so typical; a goaltender playing NCAA hockey. He had been to a countless number of arenas and seen competition far and wide, but never as wide as Hong Kong.
“Before having the chance to visit Hong Kong I was curious and interested in what the hockey world was like in Asia” says Robert, whose Asian descent mainly drove his curiosity. “For me hockey has only been a game that I have experienced in the states but this was all about to change. It was a surreal moment to be in a place I have only seen in movies. I wondered if a sport like ice hockey can exist in a city like this.”
The movies yes can be the source of imagination and wonder, but the development of ice hockey in Hong Kong is very real, and growing rapidly. After a quick stop at the hotel to check in and change, it was on the arena. First stop, Elements.
“Once I arrived at the arena the growth and potential of the sport was evident” recalls Robert. “It was awesome to see and instantly motivated me. The range of skill in all ages, from beginners to those who compete at the national level, makes Hong Kong hockey really exciting.”
Although hockey in Hong Kong is a young sport, its popularity is gradually increasing and growth of the game can be seen at every age level. Hockey in Hong Kong is popular among both men and women players and it is promising to see their willingness and determination to improve. Although resources are limited to those who are involved in hockey in Hong Kong, they are efficient and work with what they have. Unlike the United States, ice is extremely expensive to rent so that efficiency is paramount.