Ice Blacks Romp Home Against China

Ice Blacks Romp Home Against China

DUNEDIN, New Zealand (August 17, 2011) –

Ice Hockey at the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games got off to an action packed start last night when the Ice Blacks faced China. What began as a goal for goal tussle ended in a runaway onslaught of goals by the Ice Blacks who went on to win the game 8-3.

China began on the back foot even before they set foot on the rink. Their late arrival in Dunedin, caused by cancelled flights because of weather disruption, meant they had limited time for practice, however their greatest handicap was having to leave behind in China nine of their players because of visa issues. Six local players, five from Dunedin Thunder, and the sixth a 16year old girl, Jamie Wood from the Southern Women’s team were recruited into their starting line up.

China came out on attack in the first period and put NZ Goal Keep Zac Nothling to the test. They finally broke through to score the first goal in the 16th minute. However China’s jubilation was short lived when two minutes later Joshua Hay scored to equalise for New Zealand. China pulled out more steam and went 2-1 up a minute and a half before the end of the first period.

New Zealand came out fired up in the second period with Simon Glass scoring within the first minute to take the score to 2-2. Jordan Challis then scored to put New Zealand in the lead only for China to equalise shortly after and the game was tied up at three all by the end of the second period.

The tide turned halfway through the third period when Chris Eaden, Ice Blacks highest scoring player, lived up to his reputation and slammed one home. It was to be the first of five goals scored in quick succession by the Ice Blacks and well and truly sealed the game much to the delight of the crowd.

Captain of the Ice Blacks, Cory Down said he was pleased with the team’s performance. “I think we demonstrated our fitness level and where we are at the end of the season. It’s great to see some of our younger players stepping up at this level.”

Cory Down is under no allusion that the Ice Blacks next game against Australia will be a far greater test. New Zealand last met Australia at the World Champs in March this year and lost 2-0.

Goal scorers for China were: Chen Ling(1), Wang Changwei (2)

Goal Scorers for NZ were: Joshua Hay(1), Simon Glass(1),Jordan Challis(1), Chris Eden (2), George Huber (2), Damion Watson (1)

100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games continues today, August 18 at the Dunedin Ice Stadium with Ice Hockey: China vs. Australia 7pm.

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