New Year, New Challenge

Only a month ago, the Hong Kong Women’s National Ice Hockey Team returned from Bulgaria, after placing second two years in a row in the IIHF Women’s World Championships Division II B Qualifiers. Their winter break didn’t last long though, as they’re once again getting ready for some fierce competition in the 13th Chinese National Winter Games.

With training starting from July, and their last tournament ending in two weeks, this is going to be a short season for the ladies on Team Hong Kong. They’re determined to go out with a bang, however, entering a 20-strong squad into the Winter Games in Ürümqi, Xinjiang.

“In Ürümqi, we'll have to compete to put ourselves on the map on Chinese hockey scene because we haven't played against other teams from China yet.” said Hiroki Wakabayashi, head coach of the Team for the last three World Championships. “The biggest challenge is to adjust ourselves to the different circumstances and make the best result out of [a] very short period of time.” He goes on to say, referring to the limited preparation time the Team had before their first game against team Qiqihar on January 14.

Newly appointed head coach and former Olympian, Anqi Tan, will be leading the Team in this expedition. Also joining the team are rookie Chan Lai Man, Yvonne Tsang, and goalie Chau Nga Sze, who will be representing Hong Kong for the first time. With four other teams from all over China, the Team is hoping to gain some valuable game experience that could help them in tournaments to come.