2005 Asia Pacific Cup Blog

Concluding Thoughts - 28/04/05, 19:04
After a good start writing these posts, things ground to a halt when I failed to find an Internet connection I could use to upload said pages.

So, in a nutshell: we returned late on the evening of the 24th, with a lot of happy, tired, sugar-fuelled hockey kids. Two of our three teams made it to the finals (10U Dragons, 12U Dragons), only to be beaten by more experienced teams from the YMCA of Taiwan. The third team, 10U Phoenix, put in an admirable performance, finishing 4th. As for our Mens team, well at least they had a good time! A lot was learnt by all, and with another year of harder skating work, we should be able to compete with Taiwan.


Tournament Day 2 Begins - 23/04/05, 11:00
An early game for HK Phoenix 10U saw coach Tim Lau waking his boys up at 6:00, followed by the 12U Dragons at 7:30 and the 10U Dragons at 8:30.

As I write the 10U Dragons are on the bus heading to the Woodlands Sports Hall, where we will catch the end of the 12U Dragon's game, attend the opening ceremony and then play our only game of the day.

Later on in the afternoon, the HK Phoenix men's team will face a strong Team Gryphon from Australia. Wish us luck.


HK Dragons vs SING Dragons - 22/04/05, 19:42
A close start between these rival teams saw HK pull two goals up within the first few minutes. However, a come back goal by Singapore suggested a tight match to come. This was not to be, as the Hong Kong kids clicked, and the drills from practice started to show up in the games: in particular the "loop-de-loop" breakout. Great passing, good defense, strong goal tending and sniper-style shooting saw HK put in 7 unanswered goals to finish the game in style.

Final score: HG Dragons 9, Singapore Dragons 1

Coming up today, one more game for the HK men....and the kids games against Taiwan tomorrow.

Socially, some of the kids are off with parents in small groups this evening, with the bulk of the unaccompanied kids enjoying dinner by the pool, with a swim before bed.


A Host Of Results - 22/04/05, 16:22
Following their defeat by JTK the HK Phoenix men's team came out strong against the locals KXK. However despite a rash of penalties against KXK (and a few against Phoenix too) our men were unable to capitalise on their chances and lost 2-0. Julian Ma was sterling in goal.
This close match was followed by a much-awaited HK Dragons 10U vs. HK Phoenix 10U, which provide much excitement and great goal-keeping at both ends (Jack Woods and Philbert Poon). The Phoenix boys worked hard, but could not stop Turner Brown and Jeremy Rosenberg from putting the puck away. Final score: Phoenix 0, Dragons 4.

The first 12U game saw our Dragons pull ahead early against the Singapore Dragons. However, the 3-0 cushion was quickly eaten up, and the score was 3-all going into the third. A great late goal from (I think) Micheal Farley saw the HK Dragons take a late win.

As I write, the HK Phoenix 10Us are putting away an astonishing number of goals against the Singapore 10U Falcons, with the score early in the second standing at 10-0.

All the kids seem happy, and most of the parents are hoarse from screaming. GO HONG KONG!


Hong Kong Men Lose To JTK - 22/04/05, 11:12
In a tough opening game, Hong Kong Phoenix Mens lost 8-2 to a strong Singaporean JTK team. A lot of good passing play from the Singaporeans saw the HK defence and goalkeeper produce a lot of sweat.

Next up, HK Phoenix play Nottingham Knights, and then a HK derby will see HK Phoenix 10U play HK Dragons 10U.


The Rink - 22/04/05, 08:59
OK, the mens team have just arrived to find a great indoor venue which already seems a lot cooler than last year. The first two teams, Indonesia and Australia, have just skated on to the rink, and we are on next.

The kids are all still at the hotel, breakfasting with Tim. They will be coming down on the 11 o'clock bus.

Have yet to find an internet connection, but will hopefully be able to get these posts online tonight.


Singapore Here We Come - 21/04/05, 21:06
After meeting everyone at CLK, our 3 coaches and 16 unaccompanied kids made quick progress through check-in and immigration. Despite desperate demands from some members (Gus, Jason : ) we managed to avoid Burger King and find our gate.

We are currently in mid-air and expecting to arrive on time, making it to the hotel by 23:00 and bed shortly after. The kids are staying amused, mostly by putting stickers on me (Jack, Jordan, Matt) and playing Nintendo games. Seems like last year all over again.

Tomorrow will be a lazy start with breakfast and maybe a quick dip in the pool before catching the 11:00 bus to the rink. Plenty of games tomorrow (9 in total for the 4 HK teams present) to keep everyone excited.

Time to go, as I have kids asking me questions.