Top tips for junior ice hockey players

Former NHL (National Hockey League) star Blake Wesley, respected Canadian coach Jamie Watts and China women's national team coach Paul Strople will visit Hong Kong next week to run a unique training programme for young players.

In the past, Hong Kong's junior ice hockey players have travelled to Canada to participate in training camps, but now 50 locals will get the chance to learn the finer aspects of the game when the renowned Okanagan Hockey School (OHS) comes to the SAR.

The clinic, organised by the Hong Kong Typhoons Ice Hockey Club - a member of the Hong Kong Ice Sports Association - will be held from February 8-10 at the Canadian International School and the Dragon Centre Ice Rink in Shamshuipo. It is aimed at players aged between eight and 17.

'I am very pleased that we will have coaches of this calibre running the camp,' said Gary Lawrence of the Typhoons Club.

'This kind of programme is very important for the growth of the sport in Hong Kong. As well as being fun for the juniors, adult players can improve their teaching methods by watching these professionals,' said Lawrence.

The OHS programme will focus on the five most important areas of the game - power skating; puck control and stick handling; passing and shooting; checking; and offensive and defensive play.