Former NHL ice hockey star Barry Beck teaches local students at Tsang Pik Shan Secondary School

Former professional ice hockey star Barry Beck visited Tsang Pik Shan Secondary School to conduct a workshop for Form Four and Form Six students. Beck, who retired in 1990, played for leading American ice hockey teams, the New York Rangers and the Los Angeles Kings. 

The school hosted the Canadian-born Beck and his support staff from the Hong Kong Academy of Ice Hockey on March 12. The academy, a non-profit group, runs hockey camps and works in co-operation with other local organisations to promote the sport of ice hockey in the city.

Paul Dobson, the school's native English teacher, hopes Canada's most popular sport will help to create a fun and active learning environment in school. He believes culture and language are connected. For example, when you play ice hockey, you not only learn the importance of respecting other players, you also enhance your language skills and get a better understanding about another culture.

The students wore ice-hockey gear during the demonstration. They put on shoulder, elbow and shin pads, among others. They thoroughly enjoyed it because they were getting ready to play. 

The academy staff gave a demonstration of some basic moves and emphasised the importance of player safety. Then the students took part in the school's first-ever indoor hockey game. It was a memorable experience for them.