Photo Courtesy: Claudette Thorhaug
A clash between countries usually saved for events like the Olympics or World Juniors was made a reality for a team of young hockey players.
On February 18 at Springbank Arena in Calgary, the Strathmore U11AA HADP (Hockey Alberta Development Pilot) hockey team took on a team from South Korea the Blitz! Strathmore hockey team manager Claudette Thorhaug explained the Blitz will try to play a different Canadian team for every day they're here, and that they came to Canada to look for a challenge and play some high-quality opponents.
"They wanted a challenge themselves, so they're trying to play teams that are a skill level above them. So it's a great opportunity for both teams."
While Strathmore earned a decisive 9-1 win over the Blitz, that wasn't what players were celebrating after the match, as the real excitement was the chance to meet fellow hockey players from a different country and culture. Thorhaug said both national anthems were played before the game, and that a gift exchange happened after.
Strathmore gifted each Blitz player a gift bag including hockey trading cards from players on the team, a Town of Strathmore pin, and an ornament. The Blitz gifted Strathmore a Blitz banner, in addition, they gave each player a Blitz pin.
Thorhaug added Strathmore Coach Ryan Dalziel deserves a lot of credit for getting everything organized, saying the event couldn't have happened without his support. Congratulations to the Strathmore U11AA HADP hockey team for taking part in such an exciting match, as well as being wonderful ambassadors not just for our community, but the entire country.
Photo Courtesy: Claudette Thorhuag
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