Hockey Alberta in partnership with the Alberta Sports Recreation Parks and Wildlife Foundation and the Government of Alberta has established a friendship exchange program with a women’s hockey team from Hokkaido, Japan. Last year was the first of a two year commitment which allowed Team Alberta to travel overseas to Hokkaido, Japan to compete at an international level. This Sept. 9-16, 2008, Hockey Alberta welcomes the Hokkaido team to Alberta to compete in four hockey games and experience the sites and culture of our province
"Our players are very excited about the opportunity to play the Japanese. As much as the experience is unique, it’s also a great opportunity to look at the game from a slightly different angle and hopefully learn something new along the way," said Howie Draper, head coach, Team Alberta and the University of Alberta Pandas.
As a part of the kick off to this event a banquet will be held Sept. 9 beginning at 6 p.m., where the players and respective dignitaries have the opportunity to make their introductions and enjoy a night of socializing. In amongst their busy schedule of practices and games the Hokkaido team has been given the chance to see the sites of our province including shopping at West Edmonton Mall, trip to Banff and a tour of Hockey Canada.
The first of the four games will be held on Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. at Servus Credit Union Place in St. Albert where the Hokkaido women’s team will take on the University of Alberta Pandas. Complete with a pre-game ceremony, official puck drop and playing of respective national anthems it is sure to be night of entertainment and exciting hockey. These two teams will play back to back games with the second game the following night Sept. 11, at 5:30 p.m. at the Clare Drake Arena in Edmonton.
Following their stay in Edmonton the Hokkaido women’s team will travel to Calgary, where the final two games of their stay will be held. On Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Father David Bauer Arena, the Hokkaido team will take on the top 25 of Team Alberta’s U18 program. The two teams will compete again the following day Sept. 14, at 4 p.m. at the Father David Bauer Arena.
The Hockey Alberta Hokkaido-Friendship exchange officially wraps up with a dinner and banquet Monday Sept. 15 at 5 p.m.. Hockey Alberta is happy to have Paul Carson, director, development, Hockey Canada as MC for the evening’s festivities.
"Growing the game of hockey internationally is everyone's responsibility. In order for all countries to improve the game we must rely on events such as the Hokkaido Exchange to foster enhanced development opportunities for individual players as well as coaches and administrators. On top of all of this, the goodwill generated between all those participating will produce a lifetime of wonderful memories," said Carson
All four games are sure to be of a high caliber of women’s hockey. Hockey Alberta is happy to welcome the Hokkaido team and their respective dignitaries to our province. This is a positive opportunity for all involved and Hockey Alberta is please to be a part of it. |
