By John Redmond
The Korea Ball Hockey Association (KBHA) hosted the 2nd annual Hockey Day Korea (HDK) at the Jamsil Sports Complex inline rink last Saturday.
The event was held to promote awareness of hockey in Korea and raise money for the Make-A-Wish Korea (MAWK) charity.
The afternoon began with an opening ceremony with emcees Colin Gennoe and Nikkii Sang-jin Lee of the Korea Ball Hockey Association, followed by opening remarks from Canadian Ambassador to Korea Eric Walsh.
Jim Paek, NHL Stanley Cup winner with the Pittsburgh Penguins and coach of the Korea Men’s Olympic ice hockey team, expressed his appreciation for HDK and of the need to further develop hockey awareness and skill development among young people.
MAWK representatives were also present to receive a donation from HDK organizers.
MAWK aims to raise money for children with life-threatening medical conditions in Korea.
Following the ceremony, Craig Grillanda of Team Korea Ball Hockey and representative players ran the children through skill stations to teach them ball hockey.
Guests were also treated to an exhibition match between the Daemyung Killer Whales of the Asia Pro Ice Hockey League and Team Korea Ball Hockey.
The KBHA is the governing body for the sport of ball hockey in Korea.
Its mandate is to teach ball hockey and develop its popularity in tandem with other local hockey associations.
Visit facebook.com/kbha.korea or contact kbha.korea@gmail.com for more information or to find out how to register a team or player.