Category: Tournaments

Jason “Cots” Cotsmire

On December 1, 2019 we lost a loved member of the hockey family here in Thailand, and that was Jason “Cots” Cotsmire. He died playing the game he loved with the people he loved playing with.

On December 18, 2019, the Flying Farangs and the Sport Corner Siam Hockey League held a memorial game in remembrance of Cots to help raise money for the education of Cots’ daughter Jayla. You can find the pictures in the links below:

The teams from the Jason Cotsmire Memorial Gamehttps://www.facebook.com/pg/SHLhockeyThailand/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1579706635517439
Facing off
https://www.facebook.com/pg/SHLhockeyThailand/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1580854965402606

If you would like to contribute to the Jayla Education fund, you can transfer to the account below:

Tasma Cotsmire for Jayla Cotsmire
SCB #204-209011-0
Swift Code: SICOTHBK

South East Asia Youth Cup 2019

Date : 09 – 13 September, 2019
Location : The Rink Ice Arena rama9
Division : BOYS'(U15) AND GIRLS'(U16)

การแข่งขัน รายการ “South East Asia Youth Cup 2019” | ⓈⒺⒶⓎⒸ ระดับเยาวชนทีมชาติไทย ทีมชาย U15 และทีมหญิง U16 โซนเอเซียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ โดยประเทศไทยเป็นเจ้าภาพ มีประเทศร่วมการแข่งขันได้แก่ ไทย, สิงคโปร์, มาเลเซีย, อินโดนีเซีย และ ฟิลิปปินส์

» วันที่ 9-13 กันยายน 2562

📡ถ่ายทอดสด 🔴(Live) ทางเพจ Ice Hockey Family 🏒✨🏆🏅🥇🥈🥉🥅

สนาม The Rink Ice Arena พระราม 9 ชั้น 7

Land of Smiles 2019

Celebrating 25 years

The Largest International Ice Hockey Tournament in Asia, the “Land of Smiles”
 

SET THE DATE:

October 23rd-26th Youth
 Adult October 29th-November 2nd 

2019 Brings a New Twist to the Land of the Smiles Ice Hockey Classic 
The 1st Annual Youth Tournament

Asia Ice Events & JOG Sports cordially invites you to the 15th Annual

“Land of Smiles” & the 25th  Annual ‘Ice Hockey Classic’  in Thailand. 

We would like to invite teams  from all over the world to participate in the largest international tournament in ASIA; the “LAND OF SMILES” Ice Hockey Classic.   

Contact Jog Sports

Senior Citizen denies Flying Farangs third crown in 5 years

The Bangkok Flying Farangs were trying to win their third City of Angels crown in five years; all that was stopping them was a 62-year-old goalie – and he did. The keeper for the all-Finnish team, Ukkometsot, Mika Rantanen, which had flown in from Helsinki, stoned the Farangs in the final match as the visiting Finns won the first tournament to be played at the new arena, The Rink, located on the 7th floor of the Central Grand Rama IX shopping mall.

The favourite going into the 35-and-over tourney was the Hong Kong Tigers who had a slew of relatively young forwards (aged 35-39), who skated rings around the opposition in the early matches, making mincemeat of their opposition. But like the Farangs, the Tigers fell victim to the wily Finnish keeper in the semi-final exiting the tourney without the Cup they so eagerly coveted. The Farangs beat the Kuala Lumpur Cobras in their semi-final game to set up the final match against Ukkometsot.

Flying Farang goalie Jason Cotsmire had a brilliant tourney except for a brief 5-minute span at the start of the final game when Ukkometsot scored three quick goals on him. It was erringly similar to the 5-minute breakdown the New Jersey Devils suffered in period one of game 6 of the Stanley Cup final when Steve Bernier took a five minute major boarding penalty and the LA Kings scored three power-play goals. The Farangs did call a time out after the Finns’ three quick goals, but like the Devils were never able to gain the momentum, losing the final by the same score the Devils did, 6-1.     

The 15-team tourney was divided into three four-team divisions and one three-team division, with each team playing the other teams in its division before being re-seeded according to their records. Bangkok entered two other teams in the tourney and the second-seeded Bangkok team reached the semi-final of the consolation championship, while the third Bangkok team, composed – ironically – mostly of Finns, saw an early exit from the tourney as they were unable to muster much scoring power.   

The highest-profile player in the tourney was Jay North, who had flown in from Texas to play for the Singapore Hawkers (Singapore like Bangkok, entered three teams in the tourney). North, a Minnesota high-school stand-out, was selected 63rd overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1980 entry draft, ahead of future NHL stars like Jari Kurri, Bernie Nicholls, Steve Larmer, Steve Kasper, Hakan Loob & Andy Moog.  His NHL career never did pan out, but people still talk about the way he dazzled the crowd in his high school days. 

All the matches on the final day were televised live on Thai TV and the rink was a beehive of journalistic activity with cameramen, photographers and writers everywhere. Tournament organizer Scott Whitcomb and his team at Jogsports did an outstanding job of running the event. And the Rink, which was still trying to air out its kinks was able to withstand the heavy schedule of morning to late-night matches despite Bangkok’s heavy humidity.

www.jogsports.com

Oduya Leads Farangs to Victory in Bangkok Tourney

Johnny Oduya of the Chicago Black Hawks, currently locked out over a revenue sharing dispute between the National Hockey League owners and players, took advantage of his spare time to lead Bangkokís Flying Farangs to do something theyíve never done before, win their own tournament.

The four-division, 36-team, 18th annual Land of Smiles tourney was labelled an instant classic with the Farangs defeating the Abu Dhabi Storm 2-1 in a very close final game to win the international open division. Bangkok captain Geoff McIntyre provided most of the final-game dramatics, assisting on Rob Taylorís tying goal, after Abu Dhabi jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, and then scoring the winning goal himself. McIntyre didnít make it easy for his team though taking a minor penalty with just over two minutes to go; the pro-Bangkok crowd was on pins and needles as the clocked ticked down to the Flying Farangsí first home championship. Netminder Dean Tzembelikos, who flew in from Hong Kong for the tourney, provided crucial saves for the Farangs at key times to earn the win. And veteran Robert Voisine, also played an important tormenting opposing netminders so Farang forwards could better put in the blasts coming from their stellar defensemen on the points.

Thai National star Tewin ìThorî Chartsuwan skated on the Farangs top line with Swiss speedster Jurg Dolder and Swedish ace Henrik Olofsson. Likit Neimwan-Andersson, the only Thai to ever play professional ice hockey, teamed up with Oduya on defense. Likit had played with Oduyaís brother Freddy (now deceased) years earlier in Sweden, and was one of the few players on the team who could handle Oduyaís rocket-hard passes.

The ìPitstopî team from Latvia defeated the Singapore Manimals to win the International Menís Tier Two division (the Flying Farangsí second squad came within a goal of reaching their final as well, losing in a semi-final shoot-out to the Latvian team).
The Hong Kong Hitmen trumped the Abu Dhabi Theebs to win the Asian Division and the Abu Dhabit Storm beat the Bangkok C Galís to take home the womenís division honours.

Also competing in the tournament for the Finnish team Jellonas was Vesa Toskala, the former number one goalie for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Now retired, Toskala also played for San Jose, Anaheim and Calgary in his NHL career. Toskala holds the San Jose record for most points by a goalie in a game (2), he was also traded to Anaheim with Jason Blake for former Conn Smythe trophy winner (MVP in the playoffs), Jean-Sebastien Giguere.

Oduya was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers (who became the Winnipeg Jets) from the New Jersey Devils on 4 February 2010 along with Niclas Bergfors, Patrice Cormier and a 1st round draft pick for Anssi Salmela and Ilya Kovalchuk. On 10 March 2010; Kovalchuk went on to sign the most expensive contract in NHL history – US$102 million spread over 17 years. Oduya was later dealt to Chicago on February 27 of this year for a 2nd and 3rd round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He is scheduled to make US$4 million this year (if the NHL resumes play), and he plays on defense with former James Norris trophy winner (best defenseman in the NHL) Duncan Keith and his co-Olympic gold-medal winning teammate Brent Seabrooke.

The Land of Smiles tourney took place over five days at ìThe Rinkî, Grand Central Rama IX Mall and the Imperial Samrong Ice Arena. The Zamboni at Samrong broke down early in the tournament and panic set in quickly, because when the machine broke it left a large and deep rut in the ice, so dangerous that the Canadian Hackers team threaten to leave for safety concerns. Quick thinking by Flying Farang Mike Swager saved the day, as after packing the whole with some loose ice, he grabbed a fire extinguisher and hosed the rut shut earning the nickname ìThe Extinguisherî (photos by Naz Brown).

Hong Kong World Ice Hockey 5’s

by Michael White

June 11-17th, 2007

With Hong Kong’s brand new MegaIce arena online, Bangkok’s Flying Farangs rounded up a representative team to battle in the World Hockey 5’s in June 2007. Boasting a talented lineup including grinders, movers and shakers from Thailand, Canada, Sweden, Finland, Germany and (Manila?) — the Farangs were clearly one of the favorites heading into the tourney.

But this would be no cakewalk. Some key elements were stacked against the lads from Bangkok: delayed flights, lost hockey sticks and the absence of Scotty “Hockey” Murray, who missed his first Asia tournament in a remarkable 12 years.

Game On!

Game 1: Farangs vs. Kuala Lumpur Cobras

In recent years Bangkok has often had the better of their long-time rivals, the KL Cobras, but heading into the tournament’s opening game, the Farangs faced a different looking team with a bite. This year it was clear that KL was much improved, not only with an assortment of new snipers but also dauntless Farang backstopper Jason Cotsmire, who was brought in to man the pipes. Against these odds it was no surprise that the Farangs came out flat and found themselves trailing 3-0 after just one period. Goaltender Savard seemed to be all on his own as the Farangs were playing like goldfish. What the heck was going on? Then within 2 minutes, in an amazing sequence, the game was tied 3-3 with Collette, Boomer and Doan all bulging the twine. KL shook it off however and jumped right back into the lead with a sneaky breakaway goal and another off a lucky back board bounce.[5-3 KL]. But the Farangs kept coming, proving they are not a team to throw in the towel, and Switzer drew them within one with a few minutes remaing. The Farangs looked as if they tied it up with Collette tucking one in from the crease, but a quick-whistled referee disallowed it. Cots – in vintage form – was the difference in this one. Final Score: Cobras 5 Farangs 4

Game 2: Farangs vs. Shanghai Old Gaurds

Shaken but not stirred by their opening loss, the Farangs came out much more focused for their next match versus the Shanghai Red Guard. From the drop of the puck this baby was all Bangkok. Speedster Doan made a bold statement on the game’s first shift when he zipped by the baffled Shanghai defense and deked the goalie right out of his jockstrap. [1-0, only 30 seconds in] Momentum was lost briefly when the Guards earned a shorthanded tally off a turnover [1-1], but it didn’t take long for the boys to come firing back. The lead was restored a mere 15 seconds later on the same power play as former Swedish elite leaguer Rauhala scored on his first (and basically only) shot of the tournament. [2-1]. The remainder of the game was nothing less than a Flying Farangs hockey clinic, with all the action down in the Shanghai zone. On the final score sheet Boomer, Marriott and Doan had all bagged two goals a piece, and the shots were a convincing 26 to 9 in the Farangs favor. The boys had clearly sent a tournament message that they had come to play.
Final Score: Farangs 7 Red Guard 1

Game 3: Farangs vs. Tokyo Canadians

The last match of the round robin for the boys was monumental in that it not only dictated the playoff seedings but it was against their long-time nemesis, the Tokyo Canadians. Revenge (best served cold) was on the minds of all Farangs players who just months ago had suffered a heartbreaking semifinal loss to the same team in Singapore. As expected the game was fast paced and filled with end-to-end action. Bodies and sticks were flying everywhere as both teams battled for ice supremacy. Savard came up huge in the early going, making several key saves, a few of the Patrick Roy-variety. Fortunes would go to the opponents first however, as a controversial (garbage) goal was awarded after a Canadians player submarined Savard into the back of the net. [1-0 Tokyo]. But the
Farangs dug deep and would not let this one slip away. Body checks were rampant with a few monster collisions along the boards. This one was going down to the wire. Finally on an early 3rd period powerplay, MWhite snuck one past the opposing goalie with a deflected shot from the slot after a nice feed from Doan [1-1]. Momentum was back on the Farangs side. The pace of the game quickened, with frantic end to end rushes from either side. The game reached it’s peak in the last minute. As if out of a screenplay, the game winner, one of the biggest goals in Flying Farangs history – came with only 12 seconds left. Following a drive to the net by MWhite, captain Marriott banged home a loose puck in the crease to stun the Canadians and win the game for Bangkok. A colossal victory for the Farangs, some payback for the Singapore defeat, and a well deserved bye in the 2nd round of the playoffs.
Final Score: Farangs 2 Canadians 1

Game 4: Farangs on the prowl in Hong Kong

Faced with a 36 hour layover until the next playoff game, the Farangs changed gears (and outfits) and decided to take on the city of Hong Kong: Friday Night Style. It is important to note here that although there was no hockey during this period, the Farangs definitely came out to play, with many putting up more numbers in this short time than in all other 5 games combined. It was an impressive showing of teamwork and camaraderie and the metropolis didn’t know what hit it. Details are still a bit sketchy, but there was forensic evidence of pint-heavy bowling, Kennedy’s “birthday” bash at TGI Fridays, a ?World Class” visit to Lan Kwai Fong, an extended tour of Wan Chai, exclusive VIP parties, MIA’s in closets, and, evidently, a dip into Manila.
Final Score: unknown (although the Farangs consider this a decisive victory)

Game 5: Farangs vs. Kuala Lumpur Cobras

Pumped from their Friday night off, the Farangs were energized for their quarter-final match-up, which, as it turned, was a rematch against the Cobras. This time the Farangs were ready to rumble. Cots was under pressure from the get go but proved to be up to the challenge, turning away shot after shot after shot. Savard faced less work in the Farangs net, although he was benefiting from some solid D work by Dittmer, Rauhala, Oracheski and Kennedy. The game finally broke open in the second thanks to some fancy speed and agility by Switzer. Aided by one timely release from the penalty box and another deft pass from Boomer, Todd the Bod went 2 for 2 on breakaways, giving the boys a commanding 2 goal lead. This would be all the Farangs would need to advance as the team’s sharp defensive play softened the Cobras bite. Kennedy fired home an absolute laser making it 3-0 early in the 3rd before Marriott sealed it with an empty netter. An impressive team effort and a well deserved shutout by Savard. Post game action included Coors Light, burgers-with-a-view and a photo shoot with the Manila Ice Vixens (Rauhala’s prot?g?s-to-be).
Final Score: Farangs 4 Cobras 0

Game 6: Farangs vs. Hong Kong Tigers

Nonplussed by a baffling Sunday morning game (the only benefit of Lad Prao training), the Farangs laced ‘em up tight in the semifinals to play the home town ringers, the Hong Kong Tigers. Led by Gregory Smyth and backstopped by one time Farang hero Grant Philips, the undefeated Tigers were unquestionably a giant hurdle in Bangkok’s quest for gold. As predicted the game was fast and furious, with elbows and sticks flying everywhere. Savard was up to his usual antics, making glorious save after glorious save. But he wasn’t the only Farang who came to play. Bruising Bob Kennedy tamed several Tigers with crushing body checks at the blueline, and Rauhala and Heinonen kept the puck moving with their euro-precision passing. A scoreless game after 2 frames proved frustrating for the veteran Tigers team, who had a clear edge in shots. The Farangs also had their share of chances, with Doan, Collette and Tengsakul all just missing the target off of fast breaks. The Tigers finally took the lead off a transition 2-on-1 early in the third which seemed to take the wind out of the Farang sail. With time running down and Savard on the bench for an extra attacker, the action was relentless in the Tigers’ zone, but the Farangs just couldn’t get the puck past Philips. An empty netter with a minute to go sealed the deal for the home team. A tough loss in a great battle to the eventual tournament champions.
Final Score: Tigers 2 Farangs 0

In all, it was another inspiring showing by Boys from Bangkok in a tournament that will no doubt go down in Flying Farangs folklore. All heads were held high from the 3rd place finish (the team would have destroyed Siberia in any consolation match) and all of Asia got the message that the Farangs are a team of the future. Liquid celebrations were rampant all afternoon, easing the hard earned bumps and bruises from a great tournament.

Tourney Notes

* Bangkok Goalie, Clement Savard, earned heavy praise from all opposing netminders for his work between the pipes. He was awarded with MVP Goalie for the tournament.
* Jamie Marriott assured all of his abilities as captain, tallying a team-high 7 points in 5 games (3g 4a).
* Reine Rauhala assured all of his abilities when he actually decides to shoot, boasting a 100% shooting accuracy (1 shot, 1 goal)
* Although he took credit for it, it was not actually Rob Kennedy’s birthday on the Friday night
* No Manila Ice Vixens were harmed in any way in the making of this film
* While the tournament officially ended on Sunday, there were reports that a few Farangs kept grinding well into Monday

The Team:
David Blomqvist (SWE)
Paul Collette (CAN)
Ralf Dittmer (GER)
Joe Doan (CAN)
Rob Kennedy (CAN)
Jouni Heinonen (FIN)
Jamie Marriott (CAN)
Dan Oracheski (CAN)
Reine Rauhala (SWE)
Clement Savard (CAN)
Todd Switzer (CAN)
Chanphong Tengsakul (THA)
Michael White (CAN)