Team Jamaica Debuts In Tournament; Opponents, Others Take Notice
The Jamaican Olympic Ice Hockey Federation U18 Exhibition Team – Team Jamaica – made its inaugural appearance in the Weekend Hockey tournament held in Alliston, Ontario, July 3-5.
In the first game, Jamaica won 3-2 over The Prospects (Brandford, ON). The first-ever goal was scored by Kyle Bollers on a nice backhand move. With its first win in competition, Team Jamaica took one big step forward and put others on notice. The first-ever game also was taken notice by the speed, creativity and exuberant colors displayed by the Jamaicans. Quite impressive considering this was the team and coaches first time together – and only two practices prior to the event.
In the second game, a dominant 6-1 performance was posted by the team. Offensive explosion came from all faces: the power play, penalty kill, and even strength was all clicking. It looked like a well-oiled machine as Team Jamaica broke the game wide open on three straight power play goals in the 3rd period. With two games remaining the Jamaicans looked poised for a championship.
Game three took another historical moment for the team as it recorded its first-ever shutout. In doing so making themselves look unstoppable winning 4-0. More notice was being made about the team with its creative ways of playing, the uniforms, and ways of celebrating were duly noted. Many people became quick fans of the team including youngsters from other groups playing in the tournament. Some even traveling an hour to see the team and families recognizing the athletes as quick role models for their kids to look up to. The team was riding high and what was to stop the players, being admired from the people at the tournament and their opponents.
The championship game came down to grit and determination. In a rematch with The Prospects the team fought hard and held its own in a gritty game. Though the outcome was not what the players wanted, Team Jamaica showed toughness in the effort losing 4-3.
Second place not bad for a team that no one took very seriously coming in. Though disappointment was on faces, Team Jamaica won something quite unique and similar to their bobsled counter parts – RESPECT.
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"Jamaica's Ice Hockey Team Shines In Canada" – Pree Jamaica
"Team Jamaica Making Hockey History" – JamaicaOlympics
"Jamaica U-16 Ice Hockey Team Defeated The Prospects From Bradford, ON Canada In First Game Of The Weekend Hockey Tournament; Final Score 3-2" – JamaicaOlympics
