HONG KONG—A Pre-season Mini Camp for Junior Tigers sponsored by Air Canada and Sidewinder Capital took place over the 3 day holiday weekend Sept 16-18. Brad Smyth, former NHL player, owner and head instructor for NHL Alumni Camps & Clinics flew in from Canada to lead the training camp.
With 1 session/day both age groups, 6-12 and 13-18 had 4.5 hours in total on the rink. All youngsters were given intensive improvement session training in skating skills, puck control and shooting practice in competitive situations. The step up in playing standard between the Easter Camp in April to this pre-season camp was noticeable. Each group was fully subscribed with 35 in the younger group and 30 older participants.
Junior Tigers training and league season is organized by the Hong Kong China Ice Hockey League (CIHL), sponsored by Scotiabank, has 4 resident instructors/coaches from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA): Jeff Ceccacci, Yannik Wong, Whitney Olsen and Lucas Eshleman all playing in the CIHL senior league. The programme also has 3 new interns from Canada to assist this year.
The U10 league will run weekly at Elements Ice Rink from 7-9pm on Tuesdays starting on Sept 27 and running through to April 11, 2017.
