THE Malaysian Ice Hockey Federation’s (MIHF) journey to the 2011 Asian Winter Games in Kazakhstan has begun.
The MIHF President’s Cup ice hockey league will serve as a selection base to identify potential players to represent Malaysia in the Asian Winter Games.
MIHF president Datuk Lee Hwa Beng said they had formed a committee, headed by deputy president Haniff Mahmood, to draw up an intensive training programme towards the Asian Winter Games.
“We have about three years to prepare the team. Being a non-temperate country, it is important for Malaysia to be well prepared for the Games. We have been accepted as a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), who have been supportive of our vision.
“Several of our members have also attended coaching and administrative courses conducted by IIHF. They will also be in the committee to assist Haniff in the programme,’’ said Lee after launching the three-division ice hockey league recently.
The league, previously called the Adun Subang Jaya ice hockey league, has five teams — Asian Tigers A, Cobras, Dexion Wildcats, Raptors and Asian Tigers B — in Division One; three teams — Thunders, Vipers and Warriors — in Division Two and two teams — Dexion Wildcubs and Metro Stars — in Division Three.
The league will culminate with the finals on Dec 14. About 150 players aged between five and 50, will be involved in the league.
Lee said the number of newcomers in the league had increased in the past one year.
“The rising interest among youngsters can be attributed to Malaysia’s participation in the 2007 Asian Winter Games in Changchun. Parents have also given us a lot of support,’’ said Lee.
In Changchun, Malaysia, making their debut, finished an impressive eighth. Early this year, Malaysia finished as runners-up in the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia in Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, the MIHF will be organising a weekly hockey school for beginners at the Pyramid Ice in Sunway. For details on the hockey school, contact 012-329 5678.