The Hong Kong Inline Cup held on 19/20/21 & 25/26/27/28 November 2004 was without doubt the largest and best International event of its kind held in Asia. This event is sanctioned by the Hong Kong, China Inline Hockey Association a relatively new body that is working hard to develop the game in Hong Kong and making significant progress.
In its fourth year this event has grown at an incredible rate.Starting with only six teams four years ago, the tournament in November drew thirty six teams competing in five divisions at the YMCA of Hong Kong, Kings Park Centenary Centre. The focus of this event is really about playing some good, competitive and fun hockey against teams from all over the world and at the same time enjoy visiting one of the most exciting cities in Asia.
Last year was the first year to stage a Junior Hong Kong Inline Cup but with fantastic support from both Taiwan and Singapore joining the Hong Kong teams it made an incredible start. Sixteen Junior teams competed over the first weekend in three age divisions, 10 and under, 12 and under and 14 and under. This is the first major Junior international event in Asia and the standard of hockey was very impressive throughout the weekend.
Team Tour Taiwan ended up dominating by winning all age divisions.However one thing is guaranteed and that is next year all the teams will be back to challenge for the title.
During the second weekend twenty adult teams competed in the Senior Hong Kong Inline Cup with players and teams travelling from Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Philippines, Korea, Canada, Australia and Great Britain. With both a men・s and women・s division again the standard of hockey was very impressive.
Australia were the teams to beat throughout the event in both the men・s and women・s divisions.
Team Australia・s junior ladies took the title from Hong Kong Dragons in the final of the ladies division. Whilst Team Gryphon out of Perth, Australia defeated the Jedi Tiger Knights from Singapore/Canada in the most exciting final ever seen during the history of this event. (OT, shoot out then sudden victory shoot out!)
Once again both FIRS and Canada Inline supported this event by sending Gord Young, Director of Officiating (FIRS) and Peter Kourtis Head of Officiating (Canada Inline) along with Dave Landers all top level referees in the world of Inline hockey.Gord ran a two day referee certification in between the junior and senior event which was attended by delegates from three different countries and so this was a great boost to the development of Officials in the Asia region.
This year・s event at the end of November 2005 is sure to be even bigger and better. Already the tournament organizers have had firm commitment for more teams from Great Britain, the United States, New Zealand, Korea and possibly Hawaii and Japan.
For more information and to be included in the mailing for this event please contact the Tournament Director, Doug Cole on doug@ymcahk.org.hk/kpcc
For details of the previous years events and to see photos visit their website www.ymcahk.org.hk/kpcc