Last weekend 40 Select players from all three teams and almost 50 family members travelled to Okayama and Kurashiki Japan for a weekend of hockey. The kids played teams from the area including the Okayama Bruins, Hiroshima Collectors, Okayama Jr. and Kurashiki Jr.
The Select players made the Thunderbird organization proud with only one loss in 9 games.
The U8’s remain undefeated this season with two wins (7-1 and 8-3) and one tie (3-3). The boys played their hearts’ out despite having to board the bus at 5:15 a.m. on Sunday morning for their final game at 6:15 a.m.
The Select players made the Thunderbird organization proud with only one loss in 9 games.
The U8’s remain undefeated this season with two wins (7-1 and 8-3) and one tie (3-3). The boys played their hearts’ out despite having to board the bus at 5:15 a.m. on Sunday morning for their final game at 6:15 a.m.
The U12’s mirrored the U8‘s success with two wins of 9-0 and 9-1and a 2-2 tie. The team’s hard work and steady improvement was evident with much more impressive results than just a month ago in Harbin.
The U15’s faced formidable teams and finished the weekend with a very respectable win (5-0), tie (1-1) and loss (3-5). They played the highly competitive Okayama Junior-Hi team, the Western Japan national champions in 2010-2011.
Perhaps the highlight of the trip was on Sunday when everyone came together to experience some Japanese culture and cuisine. After a morning in Old Kurashiki town touring shops with local foods and handicrafts, we enjoyed a delicious traditional Japanese meal. Later we visited the beautiful Okayama Castle. Spending time together on Sunday provided the opportunity for the kids to bond both as teams and as an overall organization.
The success of this trip would not have been possible without Niki Aleong and especially Eiko Klaus. Together they planned every detail of the trip including organizing flights, the hotel, buses, cultural outings, meals and most importantly ice time and games. Thanks to everyone for an amazing weekend!
The U15’s faced formidable teams and finished the weekend with a very respectable win (5-0), tie (1-1) and loss (3-5). They played the highly competitive Okayama Junior-Hi team, the Western Japan national champions in 2010-2011.
Perhaps the highlight of the trip was on Sunday when everyone came together to experience some Japanese culture and cuisine. After a morning in Old Kurashiki town touring shops with local foods and handicrafts, we enjoyed a delicious traditional Japanese meal. Later we visited the beautiful Okayama Castle. Spending time together on Sunday provided the opportunity for the kids to bond both as teams and as an overall organization.
The success of this trip would not have been possible without Niki Aleong and especially Eiko Klaus. Together they planned every detail of the trip including organizing flights, the hotel, buses, cultural outings, meals and most importantly ice time and games. Thanks to everyone for an amazing weekend!