Hong Kong Places Second in Women’s World Championships Qualifier

Lunar New Year has always been a special time for the Chinese, but this year it’s been extra memorable for the Hong Kong ice hockey community, thanks to the IIHF Women’s World Championships Division II Group B Qualifier. The Hong Kong Women’s National Ice Hockey Team came together in this festive time in the hopes of qualifying for the World Championships in 2016. Although Team Turkey ended up winning the qualification, Team Hong Kong still managed to place second in front of an energetic home crowd.

In a wonderful opening display, Mrs. Carrie Lam, Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr. Frank Gonzalez Council Member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), Mr. Thomas Wu, Vice President of the International Ice Hockey Federation, and Mr. Mike Kan Chairman of the Hong Kong Ice Hockey Association announced the opening of the 4-day tournament at MegaIce on February 18, 2015. With the traditional lion dancers performing to the beat of the drums, the Hong Kong ladies forewent their New Year reds and instead donned team uniforms. Accompanying the ceremony were also representatives from South Africa, Bulgaria, and Turkey.

Over the next few days, the teams fought hard for the title while hockey fans from all over the world took advantage of the holidays to come out to this exciting event. Team Turkey, with superior size and speed, took home the title with 3 consecutive wins and will return to the Women’s World Championships Division II B next year. Team Hong Kong came in second, with South Africa in third place and Bulgaria placing fourth. Hong Kong goaltender Lee Jenny Kai-Chin was awarded Best Goalie of the tournament, while Wong Tsui Yi was chosen as the Best Player on Team Hong Kong.

“It was an emotional moment when we won against Team Bulgaria and placed second,” said Assistant Captain, Kwok Hoi Kei. “The team and management have worked really hard all season amid injuries and other obstacles. For our efforts to be validated in front of our family and friends, especially during Chinese New Year, it is a remarkable feeling.”

Remarkable as it may be, but the results of the competition could have easily gone the other way. “Going into the tournament, this was not the result that I was expecting. It was definitely a pleasant surprise,” said Head Coach of Team Hong Kong, Mr. Hiroki Wakabayashi. “We are a relatively new team, and our national team program has only been in place for 2 years. Last year, in the same competition in Mexico City, we came in last. The team has come a long way since.”

Mr. Thomas Wu agrees, and by hosting this IIHF Women’s World Championship Qualifier, he hopes to further promote women’s hockey in Hong Kong. This tournament was set in motion in August last year, when Hong Kong placed a bid to host this world-class event. Since then, the team has geared up their training and the Hong Kong Ice Hockey Association has worked tirelessly to ensure the tournament would run without a glitch. Their dedication it seems, has certainly paid off.