By Charles Fullerton
Contributing writer
For most ex-pats, for most of the year, the chance to play hockey in Korea is more about holding on to a piece of home in a strange land and being able to meet and share both the game they love and their experiences with a great group of similarly minded people.
But once a year the competition really heats up as the Glaciers inter-squad tournament pits friends and co-workers against one another in a tournament established to honor the men and women of the Canadian forces who fought bravely to defend freedom in South Korea during the Korean War (1950-1953). The first hockey game ever played on the peninsula was on the frozen Imjin River near today’s DMZ between Canadian Forces’ Company’s C and D. Then, as now, hockey was on a way to maintain one’s culture, bond and just enjoy oneself no matter how trying the circumstances.
The Imjin River Cup, the trophy current Gecko’s players battle for, is inscribed with the following words: The Geckos Glaciers are proud to honor the brave men of C & D Co's who bravely fought battle on the Imjin River during November-December 1952, against the enemy (losing 7 men 14 wounded) and against each other playing the "Great Canadian Game." A Corporal had his leg broken on the makeshift rink that used sand bags from the front lines for boards and where 8-inch "howitzers" exploded in the near distance. Given the hardships of war and uncertainty of survival, it is only fitting to honor the legacy of those great Canadians who took time out to enjoy the "National Game", despite their many sacrifices.
Spoken nearly 60 years ago by Korean War veteran Vincent Courtenay, his message still resonates today. Carrying on a tradition begun amongst the horrors of war are an intrepid band of expats mostly Canadian and mostly English teachers -- all unable to let go the dream of the “golden goal” in the style Sidney Crosby.
Congratulations are in order for this years champions, the Royal Canadian Dragoons, aka “The Goons.” To commemorate the 10th edition of the tournament a “return to our roots” theme was implemented for the selection of team names. Names were chosen from Canadian military regiments. The Dragoons, a cavalry regiment formed in 1883 and active in Korea, managed to down a determined bunch playing under the banner of Lord Strathcona’s Horse, a Canadian armored regiment currently based in Edmonton which also served in Korea. The best-of-five series ended in four games with all three of the Goon’s wins coming by a single goal. The lone blemish on their record was a handy defeat in Game 3.
The tournament wrapped up with a banquet at Geckos Bar in Itaewon where a new plaque was unveiled on the Imjin River Cup honoring this year’s champions, MVP honors were handed out and the Goons sipped sweet, metallic Cass from the fabled chalice throughout the night.
This week sees a return to regular Sunday night games. Experienced and competitive players are always welcome to come out, especially during the summer months when numbers drop significantly.
For more information go to geckoshockey.com or email Charles at charfull@yahoo.com