Category: News

Flying Farangs Hockey League Releases 2026 Impact Report

The Flying Farangs Hockey League is proud to share the FFHL 2026 Impact Report, a full-season recap celebrating the players, volunteers, sponsors, partners, families, and supporters who helped make this season our most connected and digitally engaged season to date.

The 2026 season ran from January 12 to March 9 at the Thailand International Ice Hockey Arena in Bangkok. Across 16 games, 4 teams, 64 rostered players, and 11+ nationalities, FFHL continued to grow as one of Thailand’s leading platforms for structured, competitive, community-driven amateur ice hockey.

But this report is about more than games and standings.

It is about the community being built around the sport. It is about Thai and international players sharing the ice. It is about volunteers giving their time behind the scenes. It is about sponsors helping create a better league experience. It is about women’s participation, player recognition, charity impact, digital storytelling, and the shared belief that hockey has a meaningful future in Thailand.

A Season of Growth

The 2026 season marked a major step forward for FFHL across competition, media, community engagement, and sponsor value.

Key highlights from the report include:

• 64 active rostered players
• 4 teams competing across the season
• 16 total games played
• 8 female players participating
• 11+ nationalities represented
• THB 20,000 donated to World Vision Foundation of Thailand
• 194,100 Instagram views, up 314.7% year over year
• 138,200 Facebook views, up 49.5% year over year
• 7,900 website page views, up 144% year over year

These numbers show the momentum behind FFHL, but they only tell part of the story. Behind every statistic is a player, a volunteer, a sponsor, a fan, a family member, or a friend who helped bring the league to life.

Building Amateur Hockey in Thailand

FFHL exists to grow amateur ice hockey in Thailand by creating a structured, competitive, inclusive, and community-driven league experience for Thai and international players.

This season, the league continued to deliver a professional-quality amateur hockey experience, built entirely by volunteers. From game operations and statistics to photography, commentary, social media, events, awards, and player recognition, FFHL is powered by people who love the game and want to see it grow.

The 2026 season included four sponsored teams: the Bangna Beavers, Yannawa Devils, Ratchada Reapers, and Pattaya Wolves. Each team carried its identity, sponsor, and community with pride throughout the season.

Congratulations to the Yannawa Devils, who claimed the 2026 Murray Cup, named in honor of Scotty “Hockey” Murray and his lasting contribution to the growth of ice hockey in Thailand.

Digital Reach and Community Storytelling

The 2026 season was FFHL’s most documented season yet.

Through game-day posts, player features, highlight reels, team photography, awards content, sponsor recognition, and community stories, FFHL significantly expanded its digital reach.

Instagram led the way with 194,100 views and a 725.3% increase in reach year over year. Facebook continued to deliver strong community visibility, while LinkedIn and the FFHL website showed meaningful growth as platforms for sponsor recognition, league updates, and community storytelling.

The strongest content themes were women’s hockey, player recognition, team identity, community photography, league schedule updates, and milestone moments. These results will help shape FFHL’s content strategy heading into the next season.

Women’s Hockey as a Growth Priority

Women’s participation is one of FFHL’s most important development opportunities.

In 2026, 8 female players competed across the league, representing 12.5% of active players. The league’s International Women’s Day reel became the top-performing Instagram post of the entire season, reaching 11,416 people and generating 17,969 views.

This is a clear signal that women’s hockey is not only important for the growth of the sport, but also one of the league’s strongest storytelling and sponsorship opportunities.

FFHL will continue to look for ways to support female participation, reduce barriers to entry, and create more visibility for women in hockey.

Hockey with Purpose

FFHL is committed to creating impact beyond the scoreboard.

Through merchandise and jersey sales, the league raised THB 20,000 for World Vision Foundation of Thailand. This contribution reflects the role FFHL wants to play in the wider community: using sport as a platform for connection, inclusion, and giving back.

Every player who bought a jersey, every fan who purchased merchandise, every sponsor who supported the league, and every volunteer who gave their time helped make this contribution possible.

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners

None of this would be possible without the organizations and businesses that believe in FFHL.

Thank you to our team sponsors, league sponsor, award sponsors, Player of the Game partner, charity partner, venue partners, and in-kind supporters. Your support helps FFHL deliver a stronger league experience and creates real value for the players, families, fans, and wider hockey community in Thailand.

Sponsor support in 2026 created visibility across jerseys, social media, the FFHL website, awards, events, game-day content, and community activations. More importantly, it helped build something meaningful.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 season set a new benchmark for FFHL.

As we look ahead, the league will continue to focus on growing player participation, expanding women’s hockey, improving sponsor reporting, producing more digital content, increasing charity impact, and strengthening the league experience on and off the ice.

Thank you to every player, volunteer, sponsor, partner, official, photographer, commentator, medical supporter, family member, and fan who made the 2026 season possible.

Grow the game. Build the community. Create impact.

Read the full FFHL 2026 Impact Report and learn more at flyingfarang.com.

2026 FFHL Impact ReportDownload
The Murray Cup

Scotty “Hockey” Murray and the FFHL Murray Cup: Honouring a Thai Hockey Legend

Scotty “Hockey” Murray has been part of the heartbeat of ice hockey in Thailand for decades. A Toronto kid who fell in love with the game at Maple Leaf Gardens, he followed his passion and his pen all the way to Bangkok, where he has spent the better part of his life building, chronicling, and celebrating a hockey community far from the winter rinks of his childhood. Today he is rightly known around the region as the “Godfather” of hockey in Bangkok.

On the ice, Scott has been a driving force behind the Flying Farangs and the expat–Thai hockey family that grew around late-night games in Bangkok’s shopping-mall rinks. Through leagues, tournaments, and countless pick-up nights, he helped create a home for anyone who showed up with skates, a stick, and a love of the game. Just as importantly, he welcomed generations of Thai players into that world, challenging and encouraging them as the level of play in the country rose year after year.

Off the ice, Scott’s greatest gifts have been his stories. In articles like “Hockey Night in Bangkok” and his many pieces on the history of Thai hockey, he captured the absurd joy of playing the world’s coldest sport in one of its hottest cities: the makeshift rinks, the scramble for equipment, the colourful characters who laced them up, and the friendships that kept everyone coming back. His writing made our little corner of the hockey world feel big, meaningful, and worth preserving.

Because of Scotty Murray, Bangkok is firmly on the hockey map. The Murray Cup honours his vision, his generosity, and his belief that hockey is more than a game – it is a community. Every team that hoists this trophy stands on the ice he helped create and carries forward the spirit he brought to Thailand and across Asia.

The Murray Cup
The Murray Cup
Murray Cup
Murray Cup dedication
alt="Flying Farang Hockey League Bangkok players at TIIHA"

Get Ready for the Ice Revolution: The Flying Farangs Hockey League Launches in Bangkok

🏒 Experience the Thrill: The Flying Farangs Hockey League Takes Flight in Bangkok

The Flying Farangs Hockey League Bangkok (FFHL) is officially here! This brand-new recreational ice hockey league brings together players of all levels to compete, connect, and grow the game we love. Built by players, for players, the FFHL is set to redefine community hockey in Thailand.

A League with Purpose

The FFHL operates as a non-profit hockey league dedicated to affordability, transparency, and camaraderie. All player fees and sponsorships go directly toward ice rental , officials, uniforms, and league operations. This approach ensures that every baht supports the players and the sport.

League Format

  • Season Duration: 6 games in addition to 2 playoff weeks
  • Venue: TIIHA, Bangkok
  • Teams: 4 balanced rosters
  • Game Nights: Two weekly games on Mondays, starting January 12, 2026
  • Officials: referees, stats and scorekeepers
  • Community: Post-game gatherings, draft party and end of season event

Why Join the Flying Farang Hockey League?

Whether you’re an experienced player or just getting back on the ice, the FFHL provides a welcoming environment to play competitive, organized hockey. The league emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, and inclusivity — all while keeping costs low through volunteer support and generous sponsors.

Looking to get involved off the ice? The league welcomes volunteers for roles in officiating, scorekeeping, media, and sponsorship coordination. It’s a chance to be part of a passionate community that’s helping grow hockey in Southeast Asia.

Get Involved

Registration for the upcoming season is now open!
👉 Register Here
👉 Learn more about the Flying Farangs
👉 Follow us on Facebook

Join us at the Flying Farangs Hockey League Bangkok — where passion meets the puck. See you at center ice!

SHL is Back!

Hello to all SHL players and fans,

I know many of you have been waiting for an update on the future of the SHL, and I appreciate your patience.

The SHL is pleased to announce that the 2022-2023 season will begin in the coming months. While we don’t have an official start date, we are looking at conducting the draft in early to mid-September. Our plan is to then have the opening faceoff in late September or early October.

We are also excited to report that we have secured 4 great sponsors, and will provide thoise in an upcoming communication.

As most of you know, the new rink has opened and the SHL is proud to call it our new home.

https://goo.gl/maps/TwL5sFFhky3RgNaq5

As the start dates are fast approaching, we need to first get an idea as to the number of players interested in joining the coming season.

Below you will see a link to a questionnaire. All players that are interested in playing in the 2022 2023 season are required to fill this out. The deadline date is August 15. Please provide this to anybody else you know who wants to play, we will also have a link on all SHL social media accounts.

https://siamhockeyleague.com/2022-2023-shl-league-registration/

I am very much looking forward to the coming season, and thank all of you for your patience and your support.
Thank you,
John Schachnovsky
President
Siam Hockey League

Bangkok United Hockey League

Bangkok United U9 Hockey League is all about becoming united and one. Let’s all grow this and have a proper youth league in Thailand that will create equal and fair play. Let’s grow the sport and good things will happen!

Check out the coaching staff for the league three national team players, a great power skating coach and a super skills coach! The FAB 5 are ready to take youth hockey to a new level in Thailand!

Contact Jog Sports

Monster Sticks

Just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that Adrian Meyers (ameyersbkk@gmail.com) currently has an inventory of 30-35 Monster hockey sticks with a variety of curves and flexes.  Unfortunately, these are mainly lefty’s, but he will be receiving more in September/ October.  He is currently offering them for 4K in Thailand.  If you have any questions or want to purchase a stick, please contact Adrian (ameyersbkk@gmail.com).

Thoughts and Prayers

The Flying Farangs would like to extend their condolences to longtime SHL and TWHL brothers Champ and Cheer Supadilokluk who recently lost their beloved mother. You can pay your respects at Wat Tat Thong (Ekamai BTS) pavilion 11 until July 31.

Johnny Oduya has chosen the unconvential NHL lockout route: Thailand – by Justin Bourne

Picture credit to Naz Brown

I recently received a great message from Jason Cotsmire, a Long Island, NY native who now lives in Bangkok, Thailand, about a rather interesting sighting at his local arena these days: Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Johnny Oduya.

It turns out that while other NHL players are trying to stay sharp by playing in a variety of European Leagues, Oduya wanted to take a little vacation, but still keep his skills sharp “ Thailand was his solution. Here’s how Oduya’s participation there came to pass, from Cotsmire:

It was totally out of the blue and something I never would have believed, but I got it directly from his best buddy who joined him on the trip. Apparently they were celebrating his buddy’s birthday when the subject of the lockout came up and Johnny mentioned that if it kept on going, he was heading to Thailand for a vacation. [name redacted] told him he should check out if there was hockey there so he could still get some skates in and stay in shape slightly kidding. Johnny picked up his iPhone did a quick search and came upon www.flyingfarang.com. Not only was there hockey here but he was going to be here during the dates of our annual tournament.

The tournament Cotsmire is referring to is The Land of Smiles ice hockey classic, “an annual mens league competition held in Bangkok to help raise money for hockey in Thailand and slum kids/communities in Bangkok through The Mercy Center.”

It was originally a four-team event that’s in its 18th version, and now features 60 men’s league teams from around the world. There’s a “rec” division “ good players, with an emphasis on the beer and fun “ and an “open” division, for those who think they still may have a pro shot.

Something else cool to note: this year Vesa Toskala participated in the event as a forward with a Finnish team, and previous tournaments have seen Troy Crowder and Neal Broten get involved.

More on the tournament from Jason before we resume:

Over the years, we have had teams consistently attend from countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Japan and the UAE. Most of these teams are made up of expat Canadians/Americans and Europeans currently living/working in those respective countries. Additionally as the tournament became more well known, we’ve had teams from Russia, Switzerland, Finland, Serbia, Latvia, Canada and the USA come out and join us as wel

Back to Oduya’s story, and how he ended up following through:

He contacted the organizer of the tournament and things just went into full affect from there. When we first heard he was coming, many of the guys in Bangkok figured that one of our Swedish guys knew him or knew someone that knew him. Nope, turns out it was just totally by circumstance that it all came together. Johnny arrived Friday morning in Bangkok, went to a seaside resort for a few days and we had a small morning skate with him on the Monday of the tournament week followed by Tuesday night shinny before the tourney to get him accustomed to his new teammates.  Let’s just say it was a surreal experience to be playing with a current NHLer. Of course Johnny played with our Open Division Bangkok team and led them to the Championship of our own tournament for the first time ever.

Picture credit to Naz

Here’s the winning squad:

Oduya gave some quotes to the Bangkok Post about his experience there.

On the vacation destination that is Thailand:

“I wanted to come back to Thailand for a while. It is a big holiday spot for Swedish people to go when it gets colder back home.”

On the event, from the Bangkok Post:

“I didn’t know if it would be a good idea but once we started looking into it a bit more we got more excited. I didn’t know that it would end up anything like this, this is a much bigger venue than anything I thought I would be part of.”

“The facilities here are unbelievable for being in a mall in a tropical paradise,” he said with a chuckle at the rink at Rama IX.

And finally from the Bangkok Post, on surprising people:

“In the beginning, the first day, I showed up to practice and it was more like ‘oh you are here, we didn’t really think you were going to show up’,” he said. “They thought it was all talk. I hope they think it’s been fun and as long as everybody has a good time I’m happy with that.”

To me, this is perfection. It’s just the ideal way to use the lockout “ see somewhere new, do something cool, make an effort to stay on your skates and not get too rusty. And in the middle of your career, it’s not the worst thing in the world to let your body heal up with a nice break from seriously competitive hockey, especially if the NHL resumes play sometime this season.