From Sept. 9-16, 2008, Hockey Alberta welcomed the Hokkaido, Japan team to Alberta to compete in four hockey games and experience the sites and culture of our province. Hockey Alberta in partnership with the Alberta Sports Recreation Parks and Wildlife Foundation and the Government of Alberta 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.
“Our players were very excited about the opportunity to play the Japanese. As much as the experience was unique, it was also a great opportunity to look at the game from a slightly different angle,” said Howie Draper, head coach, Team Alberta and the University of Alberta Pandas.
The first of the four games was held on Sept. 10 at Servus Credit Union Place in St. Albert where the Hokkaido women’s team was defeated 2-0 by the University of Alberta Pandas. These two teams met up again the following night at the Clare Drake Arena in Edmonton where the Panda’s won again in a 2-1 victory.
Following their stay in Edmonton, the Hokkaido women’s team traveled to Calgary where the final two games of their stay were held. On Sept. 13, the Hokkaido team won 2-1 against the top 25 U18 Team Alberta players at Father David Bauer Arena. The following evening, Team Alberta came back to win against the Hokkaido team 4-1.
"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 Paul Carson, director, development, Hockey Canada.
While the Hokkaido team visited Alberta, they had the opportunity to see the sites of our province including: shopping at West Edmonton Mall, a trip to Banff and a tour of Hockey Canada. The team headed home on Sept. 16 with unforgettable memories, new friends and the experience of a lifetime.
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