The U-12 National Team of the Korea Elementary Ice Hockey Association poses holding the national flag after winning the 39th Mississauga Early Bird AA Hockey Tournament held in Canada, Oct. 6. Courtesy of Korea Elementary Ice Hockey Association
The Korea Elementary Ice Hockey Association (KEIHA) U-12 National Team won the 39th Annual Mississauga Early Bird AA Hockey Tournament, hosted by the Greater Toronto Hockey League.
The tournament, which took place from Oct. 1 to 6 at the Iceland Arena in Mississauga, Canada, featured 13 teams, with Korea's U-12 team standing out as the champions.
The team advanced to the finals after a semifinal match against the Toronto EastEnders, which ended in a sudden-death goal. In the final match, the KEIHA team showcased their dominance by defeating the GT Capitals 6-2.
This victory marks a significant achievement for Korea, a country where ice hockey is still in its developing stages. It also highlights the nation's potential as a rising contender in the international ice hockey scene.
Officials and staff of the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) pose during the 39th Annual Mississauga Early Bird AA Hockey Tournament at the Iceland Arena, Mississauga, Canada. From left are Peter Kourtis, general manager of GTHL, Lee Kew-won, vice chairman of KEIHA, Michael S. Kerzner, solicitor general of Ontario, Han Ho-bong, consul general of the Republic of Korea, Kim Jung-soo, vice chairman of KEIHA and Min Joon-ki, vice chairman of KEIHA. Courtesy of Korea Elementary Ice Hockey Association
"We are proud that our youth ice hockey team from Korea, invited as a guest team, not only participated but also won the tournament," said KEIHA Vice Chairman Kim Jung-soo.
"Our goal for next year is to achieve success in the AAA league, following this year's victory."
Min Joon-ki, vice chairman of KEIHA and partner attorney at Dentons Lee emphasized the importance of the victory.
"It is overwhelming to see the Korean elementary national team become the first Korean team to win in the highly competitive Canadian ice hockey league," Min said.
KEIHA Vice Chairman Lee Kew-won also underscored the significance of international collaboration.
"Exchanges with leading ice hockey nations are crucial for nurturing world-class players. We will continue to support our young players (to) further enhance their skills," Lee said.