Speedy world of ice hockey beckons women
Ice hockey - the self-styled fastest sport in the world - is to start its Hong Kong winter league next month. Among those preparing for the opening of the rinks will be the Women's Ice Hockey Organisation (WIHO).
Aiming to groom beginners and enthusiastic players into regular South China Ice Hockey League players, WIHO is calling on high school students who may be interested in the sport.
According to WIHO members, the weekly clinic is the place to learn the game.
Despite its name, the group welcomes men as well as women to their practice sessions, to generate funds to hire the rink.
Some participants quickly graduate to a high level and develop formidable skills.
'When I first started playing in the league, I couldn't even eat or sleep, all I could think about was hockey,' said Adrienne Li, who has been playing for five years.
'I remember the play-offs, and winning the summer championship twice in three years. The rush and adrenalin is definitely there. Even after the game, you are thinking about what might have happened, what you should have done and just looking forward to the next game,' Li said. She is now one of the group's organisers.
WIHO was established in 1993 to cater to women fed up with watching their husbands have all the fun.
Today, the group helps popularise the North American sport in Hong Kong.
Here, there is a three tier league system for men and women aged 16 and up, called the South China Ice Hockey League Those at the lower level, D3, can be fairly new to the sport.
Many beginners aspire to play in the league.
Rob Marcus has been playing for 18 years and is one of several qualified coaches at the WIHO clinic.
He told Young Post: 'Because we can provide instruction without restrictions, it's a great opportunity for people to learn how to play. In North America, there are rules about protective clothing that must be worn.
'But the WIHO allows participants to practise without the extra equipment, saving the cost of buying expensive uniforms.'
Regular practice sessions take place at the Dragon Centre, in Sham Shui Po, every Tuesday evening.
