A group of young ice hockey players from Ireland are striving to raise funds for a chance to compete in a prestigious tournament in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The Ireland Ice Hockey under 17 team aims to travel to the US later this year to participate in the Green Ice Tournament, facing off against teams from across the US and Canada. This would be a life-changing experience for the team, as they train at the Dundonald Ice Bowl in Northern Ireland, with some players enduring long journeys from County Cork to reach their training facility.
A group of young ice hockey players from across Ireland are on a mission to raise funds for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in the Green Ice Tournament in Kalamazoo , Michigan. The Ireland Ice Hockey under 17 team is aiming to travel to the US later this year to face off against teams from across the US and Canada. This would be an incredible experience for the team, which trains at the Dundonald Ice Bowl in Northern Ireland .
Some players even travel seven hours or more from County Cork to reach their training facility. There are no ice rinks in the Republic of Ireland, forcing the youth teams to utilize the Co Down facility alongside several local clubs. U17 coach Aisling Daly highlights the tournament's significance, stating, 'This tournament is a great opportunity for our young players who will be able to play against teams from across the US and Canada where ice hockey is a massive sport. It should be a very special experience for them.' She further emphasizes the limited ice time some players receive due to their long travel distances, saying, 'For some of our players, it will be the most ice time they get all year, as some have to travel seven hours or more to Dundonald in order to train, as it is the only ice rink available on the island of Ireland.' To make this dream trip a reality, the players will be staying with local families during their time in Kalamazoo to minimize costs. The team is actively seeking sponsorships and organizing fundraising efforts. Coach Daly explains, 'We are seeking sponsorship and fundraising in order to make sure that this trip is able to go ahead for them as the cost of the flights are over 750 Euro each. The tournament is also taking place during St Patrick's Day week, and we are looking forward to meeting with local dignitaries who are planning to come down and support the team.' Laura Docherty, whose 14-year-old son has been selected for the team, has launched a fundraiser to assist the players in reaching their financial goal. She states, 'My son started ice hockey a few years ago and absolutely loves it. It has given him so many opportunities to travel across the UK. Thankfully we live close to the Dundonald ice rink, but the commitment from some of the other players who have to travel long hours to train is incredible.' Docherty hopes that the fundraiser will help the players cover the costs of flights, jerseys, and uniforms, emphasizing that any support they receive is greatly appreciated.
ICE HOCKEY IRELAND USA TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISING YOUTH SPORTS GREEN ICE TOURNAMENT Kalamazoo MICHIGAN
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