Fledgling Asian hockey players strut their stuff in tropical Taiwan

Source: CP

TAIPEI, Taiwan — The skating was slow, the body checks soft and the slapshots lacked zing.

But it was still hockey they were playing this week in Taiwan, as nine of the world's least likely national teams - think Kuwait for example, or Hong Kong - faced off in a tournament that brought the quintessential winter game to this tropical Asian island.

Critics might question the value of the Challenge Cup of Asia, but any cynicism ignores the enthusiasm of the players, all but a handful being the products of homegrown Asian ice hockey programs.

Many, such as 30-year-old Malaysian forward Gary Tan, got their starts playing the inline, or iceless version of the game, and then switched over to the real thing when indoor rinks were constructed in their countries. In Tan's case, that was in 1998.

"I think my love for the sport has always been there," he said.

Thailand's Dechbadin Jittranont, also 30, said that hockey attracted him because the cold of his Bangkok rink seemed so refreshing after the heat of the city's streets.

"I love hockey and I'm very happy to be at this tournament," he said. "I need to show people that Thai hockey is the best."

more.....

Gotta start somewhere. Even a country like the US used to lose to Canada by 10 goals only 30 years ago. Today, they're pretty much even.



Looks like a decent crowd enjoying the action. Good family fun :)

Arab Cup victory for Emirates

That's a small trophy. You can barely see it in the picture!

Source: IIHF

Hockey in the desert? No not the Phoenix Coyotes. The other desert halfway around the world. I knew that the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) had quite a few members in place you'd never think of. I recall Thailand losing 52-1 to Kazakhstan not so long ago so it's still growing pains.

In a desert land where the summer sun scorches the earth and camel racing is the traditional native sport of choice, the last thing you’d expect to find is an ice hockey culture with over two decades of tradition. But, if you seek it out, that’s exactly what you’ll find in the United Arab Emirates; a country in which modernism and antiquity overlap daily.

The UAE has been a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation since 2001, although ice hockey has been played in the country since 1979. While the UAE national program officially has just 195 registered players (85 adult males, 100 juniors and 10 females) and is still working toward participation in the World Championship Division III, it is among the best-equipped non-traditional hockey countries to continue to advance the game.

Despite the climate, there are three well-maintained rinks in the UAE, including two that conform to IIHF standard dimensions. The rinks are located in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai. There’s a viable national ice hockey association, growing funding for the sport, and an active league (dominated by expatriate players and clubs such as the famous Dubai Mighty Camels but with a core of native UAE players). Currently, there are over 300 players, from more than 20 different countries participating in the hockey programs offered by clubs in the UAE.

Among the three rinks in the United Arab Emirates, the one that’s the most striking to foreign visitors is the one in Al Ain. Lying adjacent to Fun City – the largest and most popular theme park in this part of the world – the building cuts a majestic figure and is intentionally designed on the outside and inside to be a welcoming refuge from the searing heat.

The UAE recently drew international attention for hosting the first Arab Cup tournament at the Abu Dhabi Ice Rink in Sheikh Zayed Sports City, winning the competition in a field that also included Kuwait, Algeria and Morocco. While the tournament’s organization and outcome are the most significant steps UAE hockey has taken, the story of Arabian hockey dates back to 1979.

FOOTAGE!

Youtube Link

That was awful defending. No. 96 missed his assignment! :)

McDonalds Hockey Commercials

Source: Calgary Puck

Those that know me, know I am frequently on the Calgary Puck forum discussing a variety of issues. What makes the forum great is that even though it's a group of Flames fans, they talk not only about the Flames but what Flames fans are interested in (which is pretty much anything). Their "Off-Topic" is hilarious and would rival any forum of any kind.

So as I was surfing this morning, I found a thread with the old and new Mcdonalds hockey commercials. More on that later. One thing that's always bugs me about Asians is our kneejerk reaction to anything that might mock Asians. From yellow-face, to the Chinese or Japanese accent or the chinky-eye or just plain being "too Asian", a phrase I absolutely detest.

Here's an example: a 4 billion dollar lawsuit against Miley Cyrus

Embarassing!

So here's the first commercial with a french-canadian accent.


Youtube Link

Are french-canadians insulted? I've never heard anything. They probably had a good laugh.

Here's the newest one with a Russian accent.


Youtube Link

I wonder if Russian's are insulted. I doubt it. They're probably having a good laugh.

I'm a hockey fan so I love these cute commercials. I can't wait for the 3rd commercial when obviously the Quebec goalie and Russian sniper faceoff!

If you're Asian and you get easily uptight and protective whenever you see an Asian stereotype and if you laughed at these two commercials, then you're a hypocrite, plain and simple.

Brawl at Muslim Ball Hockey Tournament

Source: CKNW
Source: National Post

A Muslim hockey tournament was shut down yesterday after a large brawl erupted, apparently over religious tensions. The ball hockey tournament was organized by the BC Muslim Association, which is a Sunni Muslim organization. Ahmed Buksh says his 20 and 21 year old sons - who aren't Sunni Muslims - were playing on one of the teams. He says players and spectators attacked his sons when one of them got knocked in the mouth by a stick.He says even before the tournament, some people said his sons shouldn't play. Police were called and the event was shut down. No serious injuries reported.

Brings a tear to my eye. Muslims assimilating into Canadian culture and brawling at hockey games!

Canada Wins Again! IIHF World Under-20

Canadians coast-to-coast are very proud today. The junior team wins it's 5th consecutive World Championship.

After the near semifinal debacle against a tough Russian team, Canada won easily as the Swedes fell over in the final as always. Sweden has won 7 silver medals now since their one and only gold medal in 1981.

Highlights:


Youtube Link

Singing O Canada:


Youtube Link

The best rendition you'll hear all year. I didn't know "WOO" was a lyric of O Canada :)