The Victoria Admirals U13 Tier team is gearing up for an extraordinary adventure as they prepare to jet off to Shenyang, China to participate in an international hockey tournament in January. It’s not just any ordinary tournament trip, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these young athletes.
The opportunity to compete in China came about when the team was scouted by an agent from Ottawa, who was in search of a Canadian team to take part in the prestigious international tournament. Brandon Wong, the team’s skills coach and a former professional hockey player in Russia and China, was ecstatic about the prospect of the team travelling to Asia to showcase their talent.
According to Wong, it’s a different ball game to comprehend the intricacies of life in a bustling Asian city without actually experiencing it firsthand. “I don’t think they have any idea because I didn’t myself,” he laughs. “It’s hard to explain, with the population, just so many people and it’s busy all the time.”
One of the team’s players, Brandon Feng, serves as the Admirals’ goalie and happens to be well-versed in Mandarin due to his Chinese heritage. Nevertheless, he admits that some of the hockey jargon commonly used on the ice may pose a bit of a challenge when translated into Mandarin. “It’s kinda hard to translate because in China most people don’t know what hockey is,” he says.
The tournament boasts of an international line-up, with teams hailing from countries such as Russia, Belarus, and South Korea. The organizers were particularly eager to include a Canadian team in the competition. As part of the special invitation, the Admirals have been offered complimentary accommodation and meals, and a portion of the airfare expenses, but additional funding is required, prompting them to seek sponsorship within the local community.
As part of their itinerary, the team’s role extends beyond the competition as they are set to participate in a “Give Back” program, where they will be visiting local arenas in Shenyang to engage in friendly matches with homegrown teams. This initiative aims to foster goodwill and promote cultural exchange through the universal love for hockey.
While the young athletes anticipate a bit of culture shock in their upcoming journey, their Chinese hosts will certainly be in for an eye-opening experience as they are introduced to the vibrant world of Canadian hockey culture. “I don’t know how often they get mini sticks in their hotels,” Wong remarks, highlighting the unique Canadian touch they plan to share with their hosts.
As the team gears up for this highly-anticipated journey, they are not only representing their beloved sport but also embodying the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie across borders. Their upcoming adventure is bound to be an unforgettable chapter in their young lives, creating memories that will last a lifetime.