Team Japan put up a brave front against the formidable Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) team in the finals of Ice Hockey Spectacular – the first ever Ice Hockey Exhibition Play Off Games and lost the match by 6 to 18.
The striker Charles Frump representing Team Japan emerged as the top scorer with five successful shots for the team.
Played at iSKATE- Ice Skating Rink & Cafe in Gurugram on October 28, the final contest witnessed high pitched excitement with both the sides putting their best to win the match.
Led by Captain Yachi, the Team Japan had entered the finals by defeating the host Team iSkate by 9 to 6 in the second round of play offs the previous day. The Team ITBP coached by Sonam Palban trounced Canadian Sacred Bulls in the first play off.
Some of the Team Japan players included H. Sakamoto, Shimizu, Y. Yachi and Charles Frump.
Speaking for the Team Japan, Charles Frump said that the team played very well against the better team ITBP and lost the match in respectful manner.
“Team Japan had very good strike but week defense. Anyways, the players put up their best against ITBP which was a better side as a full package,” said Frump who played as a striker and scored 5 out of 6 goals in the final match.
H. Sakamoto, who formed the part of Team Japan defense joined the team about a year back. He said the team Japan will play better next time.
Sonam Palban, the ITBP coach said that the Team Japan missed on its senior players who could have changed the fate of the final match had they been playing in this tournament.
Commenting on the same, Karan Rai, Head iSKATE said “At iSKATE, we all are absolutely thrilled that four international Ice Hockey teams will converge at iSKATE, the only true ice sports facility in India. iSKATE has been nurturing the immense talent in India for winter sports for the past seven years and this is a step towards making ice hockey a popular sport in India. “
Adding to the same, Sr. Coach Viv Gill, of ARV – Athletic Recreational Ventures USA said “These are exciting times at iSKATE. Most ice hockey teams are comprised of both men and women. Age does not seem to be a factor here, kids from their late teens to adults in their late thirties are participating and we are very excited to see the turnout.”
Situated on the 6th floor of Ambience Mall, Gurgaon iSKATE has been visited by 18 lakh ice skating enthusiasts till date for leisure as well as professional training sessions in winter sports such as ice skating and ice hockey. The ability to play winter sports all year around at iSKATE has made it extremely popular among youth, families and corporates across age groups.
