Po Leung Kuk No.1 W.H. Cheung College (Red) and Wah Yan College, Kowloon (Green) in action at Hong Kong School Ice Hockey League High school Championship Game.Po Leung Kuk Tong Nai Kan Junior Secondary College and Wah Yan College, Kowloon laced up their skates at Mega Ice, MegaBox on June 30, to prepare for the 2015-16 Hong Kong School Ice Hockey League Finals. Juniors from Division B had the first game, and played with such determination that you’d never know they were the youngest players in the tournament.
The Division B championship ended in a 10-0 victory for Wah Yan College, Kowloon. As the teams were awarded their medals, Yuen Man-lung from PLK Tong Nai Kan Junior Secondary College and Kenneth Cheng from Wah Yan College, Kowloon were given the Best Player awards, while Henry Wong from Wah Yan College, Kowloon was named the Most Valuable Player.
Then came the seniors, as the Division A players lined up at the face-off circle. We were assured of an exciting match-up, as the arena was packed with fans of both teams.
After the fierce battle, Wah Yan College, Kowloon won 2-1, breaking Po Leung Kuk No.1 W.H. Cheung College’s record five-year championship through gritty effort. Michael Chan from Wah Yan College, Kowloon and Eric Ming-cheung from Po Leung Kuk No.1 W.H. Cheung College were awarded Best Player, while Kobe Yuen from Wah Yan College, Kowloon received the Most Valuable Player trophy in pride amidst a standing ovation.
Before they enjoyed a well-deserved celebration, we talked to Wah Yan’s team captain Clayton Yip, Best Player Michael Chan and Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kobe Yuen.
Clayton was notably proud to finally taste victory with his teammates, but he knows that one championship doesn’t mean he can relax. He reminds his team not to get cocky, and that persistence is the only path to success.
The open-mind that brings people close
Goalie Michael Chan, Form Five, was new to ice hockey when he signed on to the team, but he set about proving himself with a strong work ethic. Despite being named Best Player, Michael stressed that teamwork, not personal achievements, is the key to success.
With his size and strength, you wouldn’t know that MVP Kobe Yuen was a Form One student. He brings six years of experience to the team, but he doesn’t let the awards and championship go to his head. “Everyone here has marvellous skills, but what made me the MVP are the opportunities provided by my team members to score the goals,” he says.