A recent tournament hopes to inspire more people in the Cayman Islands to reach for hockey sticks.
The Cayman Islands Youth Roller Hockey Club staged its second annual street hockey tournament earlier this month. Hundreds of youth hockey players stormed the Arts and Recreation Centre at Camana Bay for the fundraiser.
Among those overseeing the action was referee coordinator Darryl Hather. Originally hailing from Canada, Hather has been in Cayman a number of years and plays in local roller and ball hockey. He states more kids can get involved.
“I’ve seen it already with more kids going higher up in hockey,” Hather said. “Some of the older kids in roller are playing ball now. We want as many kids to grow up with hockey as possible.
“As the captain of the national ball hockey team, ideally these kids can help us be more competitive in the World Senior Ball Hockey Championships. One day I feel they can propel us to win our pool at those world championships.”
Cayman placed fifth in its group at the world championships last June in Bratislava, Slovakia. The tournament is now in its 10th year and has seen steady participation from the Cayman Islands Ball Hockey Association.
Locally, the Fall 2011-2012 ball hockey season came to an end last week at Kings Sports Centre. The Spring 2012 league is slated to start Thursday, 26 January. One of the men expected to suit up for that competition is Chris Creighton, 28.
The Canadian native, who is from Brandon, Manitoba, has been here for six years and plays roller and ball hockey. The West Bay Road resident states hockey is a viable sporting endeavour for locals of all ages.
“I think its great for kids to get involved in,” Creighton said. “It’s a different option and not your usual sport for the Caribbean. Its good for the kids to have a variety of activities to choose from. It also teaches them team play and they will meet other kids outside of their immediate circle of friends.
“For the adults, it’s a good intense team sport. It’s also a good workout and again a different option to have. I like seeing players come out to try the sport not having ever seen it before. I’ve had team-mates from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, etc and its great.”
By all accounts, the street hockey tournament was a success. Camana Bay saw action across several age groups for kids aged 4-15, who enjoyed themselves for the most part. The majority, like 13-year-old Tynan Klein, were used to the sport from competing in the Logic Youth Roller Hockey League. However, quite a few youngsters were introduced to sticks and pucks for the first time.
Participants played in four individual rinks, sponsored by BritCay, Camana Bay, Dart Foundation and Ernst and Young. The tournament benefitted the Cayman Hospice Care and UNICEF Cayman Kids charities. Aside from the hockey, the event saw other fundraising initiatives like a silent auction with items such as a one-month CrossFit membership and a Florida Panthers signed jersey. Those endeavours figure to raise loads of money as last year’s efforts generated over US$10,000.
Both Creighton and Hather feel street hockey is a worthwhile pursuit that can reach out to more kids.
“Street hockey is a great activity to get both boys and girls out and get active,” Creighton said. “You can play pretty much anywhere so you aren’t really limited. You don’t have to find an open court or rent space. You just get together and play.”
“The tournament was well-organized, play went quickly and everyone had fun,” Hather said. “All of the sponsors were fantastic, allowing for a professional board system to be in place, which was cool. It was also about a good cause; namely fighting cancer.
“Street hockey is cool because it’s not just for kids in roller. It’s for everyone, the schools are involved and it attracts kids that have never played hockey before. With no skates required, everyone can play. That’s the power of hockey for you.”
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