CIHL Launches Partnership with HKIHA

Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., September 19, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Central to the partnership between the CIHL and the HKIHA is the common commitment of supporting Hong Kong’s next generation of elite ice hockey athletes. Several CIHL players also fly the flag for Hong Kong in national team events, with the HKIHA a full member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and an associate member of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China. While the CIHL has, in previous seasons, featured U18 players, this season the CIHL will work alongside the HKIHA to develop the SAR’s U18 and junior players, with the view of strengthening the sport.

The partnership will also include opportunities to collaborate on exclusive events and game nights as well as marketing campaigns and branding initiatives to help raise the sport’s profile in Hong Kong and to reach out to new fans and prospective talents.

With a shared goal of growing the sport of ice hockey in Hong Kong, both the CIHL and the HKIHA are dedicated to grassroots initiatives to help young players develop a strong ice hockey foundation. With more than 1,000 players of all levels across Hong Kong, the CIHL and the HKIHA are also united in their goal of developing additional facilities to support this growing demand.

The CIHL’s community programmes are an essential part of the league and the league’s efforts are beginning to pay dividends. The Adopt a School program reaches students of all ages across Hong Kong, while the CIHL Intern Program provides opportunities for talented hockey players to live and work in Hong Kong, while giving back to the sport through volunteer youth coaching. This season Hong Kong’s Justin Cheng, who plays on the HKIHA U18 National Team as well as in the CIHL, is moving to Canada to further his hockey career.

The partnership with the HKIHA further strengthens the CIHL and both organizations are looking forward to maximizing this collaboration.

“We’re delighted to announce a partnership between the Hong Kong Ice Hockey Association and the CIHL,” CIHL director Greg Smyth said. “Our shared goal of developing the sport of ice hockey in Hong Kong will help us to dedicate additional resources to working with young, talented players. We look forward to the opportunity to promote and grow Hong Kong ice hockey.”

Said HKIHA Honorary President Mr. Thomas Wu: “The Hong Kong Ice Hockey Association’s partnership with the CIHL will help provide Hong Kong’s top talents with additional coaching and playing opportunities that will help in their player development. We are looking forward to working with the CIHL on a variety of activities and programmes throughout the 2014-2015 season.”

For further information about the CIHL or to get involved, please contact CIHL Community Relations Manager Jeff Ceccacci at jeff@cihl.com.

About the CIHL

The CIHL is Hong Kong, Macau and Southern China’s first elite contact ice hockey league. Founded in 2010, the CIHL provides high-level, entertaining hockey, while working to develop future generations of Chinese hockey players.

Quam is the official league sponsor for the 2014-2015 CIHL season. This year, the league will feature four teams: the Quam Hong Kong Tycoons, AsiaXPAT Kowloon Warriors, Galaxy Macau Aces and Ocean Park South China Sharks.

Saturday nights from October 4, 2014 through March 14, 2015, the teams will face off at Mega Ice for two back-to-back games. Family entertainment, community events and on-ice kids’ competitions are aimed at making Saturdays a true “Hockey Night in Hong Kong.” The official website of the CIHL is www.cihl.com and a free iPhone app is available through the iTunes store.

About the Hong Kong Ice Hockey Association

The HongKong Ice Hockey Association Limited (HKIHA), previously named Hong Kong Ice Hockey Association, was established in 1980. Our missions are to promote ice hockey and inline-hockey in Hong Kong, provide advanced training to potential hockey players as well as organize various levels of competitions for Hong Kong hockey players in accordance with the international ice hockey rules.

The HongKong Ice Hockey Association Limited is a registered full member with International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and an associate member of Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China.

The HKIHA hosts several training sessions, camps and activities every year and its players participate in local and international events, including the annual Sport Festival organized by the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and subvented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, as well as IIHF hosted camps and Asian Development Camps and programs which includes Hong Kong as a participating team.