Four Heavy Weight Tilts

With four thrilling matches, the opening night of the BOCI-Prudential Asset Management 2015 HKAHC Invitational Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament was a success. This eventful night began with a Group C match up between the young Mongolian Capitals against a more seasoned opponent in the Pilipinas. It was a commanding performance by Pilipinas with a 6-1 win against the Caps from Mongolia. Pilipinas took to them early with their intensity and high powered offense and showed their experience right from puck drop. It took the Mongols some time to get into the game but once they settled in they showed much promise and their energy was noticeable. Although the Capitals suffered defeat in their first game, keep an eye out for this team for they are young and show great potential.

The first match was followed by an exciting Group B tilt between tournament debut team, Qatar Oryx and the Sharks from Taipei. The Oryx put up a valiant effort but the speed of the Sharks forwards and the ability for their defense to transition efficiently into offense was too much for the Oryx to handle. The Oryx suffered a 1-5 defeat against the boys from Taipei and look to rebound against team Mitsubishi Corp. in their next game. The Sharks will look to build off of this game and continue their strong performance when they face Mitsubishi Corp. in their second game of the tournament.

The host team HKAHC Giants and tournament debut team Mongolia Capitals played an absolute nail biting game and these Group C teams went back and forth in a tight game that ended in a 3-3 draw. Although the Capitals suffered defeat in their first game hours before, they came out with fire and played with a chip on their shoulder. The Giants took to them early getting on the board first but three unanswered goals by the Capitals forced the Hong Kong boys to fight to the very end. The Giants scored two late goals to draw level in their first game of the tournament.

This eventful night ended with an eye opening performance between another tournament debut team for UAE, the Storms and Macau ISF. This game showcased a sound defensive performance by the Storms while displaying individual abilities from their offense. Three highlight reel goals and a shutout by the Storms were enough to earn them a 3-0 victory in their opening game. With an impressive first game, UAE look to have a strong tournament run.

Be sure to catch the rest of the games at Mega Ice, as well as the Opening Ceremony which will take place at on September 19th at 14:30 at Mega Ice.