Women’s National Team participates in the Challenge Cup of Asia

The Hong Kong Women Ice Hockey Team embarked last week to Taipei to participate in the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Challenge Cup of Asia (CCOA). The CCOA is specially designed for the Asian members who do not participate in the IIHF World Championships to have more competition experience.  This is one of the development plans of the IIHF Asia Strategic Planning Group (ASPG) to raise ice hockey standards in Asia.  The ASPG is headed by Thomas Wu, Vice President of IIHF.

Team Manager, Kevin Leung, gives a wrap up of the tournament.

“Just this last week from the 7th to 8th of November our Hong Kong Women’s National Ice Hockey Team participated in the 2015 IIHF CCOA held in Taipei.  HK faced Chinese Taipei and Thailand in a double round robin tournament.  This was the second time Hong Kong participating in this type of event and we were entering the event as the defending Champions.”  Hong Kong won its first CCOA at home ground last December beating Thailand, UAE and Singapore.

“It was a hard fought battle among all the teams; and despite the leadership of our veteran players Hong Kong took third place.  Many of our Hong Kong players that participated in this particular tournament were brand new to the team.  For these new players it was a great opportunity for them to get a taste of a tournament that was governed under the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).  They learned that there are many procedures and rules that are required at the IIHF level of play.” 

“As the team manager it can be quite the juggling act to manage the players, coaches, and staff as well as coordinating between the various parties involved behind the scenes to make things run smoothly on the surface.  The preparation starts months in advance, of course during the event, and continues well after the tournament.  In this position I have to help create an environment whereby the players are shielded from any external issues, allowing each of them to fully concentrate and focus on their game only.  There were many issues that arose; however the secret was solving these issues behind closed doors.”

Leung continues “Although my voluntary position involves my time seven days a week is probably one of the most challenging roles, it is also one of the most rewarding ones as well.  At the end of the day it is great to see how far we have come in such little time.  The key is to continue to build a solid foundation for the next generation.  Women ice hockey is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and I am proud that I have a small part in planting the seeds for our future.”