The 2012 SHI Tournament concluded on April 19 with the awards presentation and banquet at the Butlins Resort in Bognor Regis, England. While smaller than the tournaments held in North America the four days of hockey at the Nike Sports and Leisure Centre were just as exciting and rewarding for all the players involved. The warmth and hospitality was as big as ever.
The tournament hosts, the Werewolves of London, led by Mike Dwyer made this a very memorable and unique experience. We learned that an "ice cut" is actually a flood and that the players "kits" were their hockey bags, but at least no one was restricted to skating on the left. We also learned how well the two British teams, the Werewoves and the Spice Jets, play the game, giving everyone some of the toughest competition at the tournament.
Also, a special thanks needs to go out to Trevor Petch and the Bracknell Ice Hockey Club whose group of volunteers ran the games, score-keeping and provided some colourful commentary. Officiating was provided by the EIHA who added a little more colour to the usual zebra stripes that we are used to.
Well done, everyone!
On a side note, it appears that the British are continuing to embrace special hockey with a reports of a new team starting in Birmingham. Not to be outdone the Norwegians too are showing an interest. Ernst Falch and Jack Andre Djuvik visited the tournament and met with SHI to learn more about our brand of hockey with the intention of starting a program in Stavanger, Norway.
