Tag: hockey in hong kong

June 2, 2020June 2, 2020

Life is Full of the Unexpected

“Why did you choose to live in Bangkok?” It’s a question I hear more often than not. I’ll do my best to leave politics and my own personal views out of this read for the sake keeping things PG.

One doesn’t need to be a Noble Prize winning economist to see the trends of the world now. It’s clear that EME’s (Emerging Market Economies) will afford the most opportunity to those with the drive and ambition to capitalize. Yes I am a greedy New Yorker. I view everything in money/time/opportunity costs with everything else being a far second to my decision making process. So with that out of the way, let’s get to it.

Why Bangkok you ask? The journey here wasn’t clearly defined like many others who came here by securing a job prior to moving to the Big Mango. To sum it up, I was seeking a similar lifestyle to what I was accustomed to at home, with the elimination of some negative factors I felt the western world had just come to accept as the norms of….well the western world. We’ll save those for another day. So I created a simple Yes/No checklist for a bunch of cities which I had previously visited. Most of these are boring boxes, but at the top of my list and probably shocking to anyone I talk to was Ice Hockey. Yes, beyond safety, culture, etc. ice hockey was my top criteria for a relocation destination. I easily adapt to my environment, but not having ice hockey was not a life I would accept. So here I am in Bangkok playing ice hockey.

It started sometime in the late 80’s, on West 33^rd street, up on some high floor at the original Sky Rink. I took my first ice skating lesson. The rink closed in the early 90’s and is now Chelsea Piers. If you think hockey isn’t popular now, imagine it 30 years ago. The popularity of hockey grew in the mid 90’s with 2 specific events. The year is 1994, the Rangers win the Cup, all of a sudden hockey is popular in New York. There is talk of rinks, projects, hockey related stuff in the city and its surroundings. Fast Forward to 1996 the US wins the World Cup. I don’t know what made this so special at the time, but it absolutely was a catalyst for the growth of hockey in America.

My dad wasn’t a hockey player but he was athletic so he took me and my cousins skating once a week. Myself and one other ended up playing ice hockey and his younger sister ended up figure skater. Everybody competes, plays at different levels/places, but in reality none of that really matters in the end. I’m not a fortune teller, but for hockey players I can guarantee one thing is certain. You will end up in the beer league. No one ever told me this, and my father not being a hockey player could not have known. The hockey community is full of great people who all look out for one another, even if you’ve only known some a short time. It’s like moving to a foreign place and the immediate bond you have with meeting someone from your hometown. Meeting other hockey players, in non-hockey cities is the same except you have grown up in completely different worlds/cultures. It’s a small community and it’s very hard to describe to someone who’s not part of it or doesn’t identify as a hockey player.

My journey to Bangkok is actually quite short. In 2012 after finishing my MBA, I went to Taipei for 3 months to learn Mandarin. There I was playing with The Taipei Gentleman’s Club. Seeing how far advanced this society was compared to where I came from was the turning point. From this moment on I was set on relocation. 2016, operating my own business, my parents randomly ask me if I can go with them to Hong Kong to visit my cousins. There was also the added bonus of a 2 week stop in Tokyo prior to this. In my early –mid 20’s I would have cringed at going on vacation with my parents, but with age comes wisdom. Who am I to turn down a free vacation, plus I was burning out hard working 100+ hour weeks. Long work weeks are driven by what’s known as “American Greed.” It’s a dark slippery slope most people fall into and can never get out of. Especially if you own a business and there is infinite work/money available.

I booked a one way ticket with this being my opportunity to visit potential relocation cities. First stop Tokyo. Great city, but unfortunately because of their economic conditions it wasn’t on my list. Off to Hong Kong, the motherland! Mega Ice in Kowloon would be my home if this would be the chosen city. For those who think that Chelsea Piers’ view of the Hudson River is amazing, it’s nothing compared to Mega Ice’s view of Kowloon Bay. My parents finally leave back to NY. Next stop is Jakarta to visit some old classmates/coworkers. To my amazement this city has a handful of rinks. Even one larger sheet that isn’t even used for hockey sadly. Finally Bangkok! I check out the city and the hockey for 6 weeks. Sadly I need to leave to attend to a work emergency. If you think going back to work after a 2 week vacation is hard, try 3 months…brutal.

So my focus is set on relocation. Prior to leaving I entered contract for one last project but it was set to be finished by 2018. After it finished, I liquidated everything via local sources and eBay. March 2018, I start looking for 1-way tickets to somewhere in the EME ASEAN region. Randomly Singapore Airlines is having a special to Jakarta. 450 bucks later I land in Jakarta mid-April. Randomly one of my old D-Partners who works for the UN is in the city. He doesn’t have his gear, but gladly takes a ride with me to the rink. Somehow in Jakarta Indonesia I ended up playing 4 times/week for a month. Who would have guessed? While I made some great friends, whom I see whenever they come to Bangkok for tournaments, Jakarta’s traffic and lack of mass transit wasn’t quite a fit for me.

Next stop Ho Chi Mihn City aka Saigon. Mind you, this city wasn’t in my 2016 trip because the rink wasn’t yet built. The evening after arriving I’m on the only sheet of ice in the city. Typical Canadian hockey community with some others mixed in. Shortly after I arrive, I’m told a Hong Kong team will be coming to play some games to initiate the rink. They don’t have enough players and everyone from Saigon wants to play, so being the new guy and having HK roots I gladly volunteer. Great games, friends made, bonding afterwards. Everyone goes their separate ways. Saigon doesn’t have enough players to support hockey while all the teacher are gone for the summer, this was unknown to me prior to arrival. 3 months is here and a visa run is due. I’m looking for a cheap flight to somewhere with an ice rink. To my astonishment I remember hearing about ice hockey in Phuket from one of the veteran players on the HK team. Rink confirmed, get some beach time in? I’m there.

Arrive in Phuket early afternoon, check into my Airbnb, meet up with my hockey connect, better known as Phuket Jo, for lunch at his restaurant and meet his wife, who eventually ends up being my Thai mom. Quick stroll to the beach then back to my room. Few hours later Jo swings by, I pop the trunk only to see a set of goalie pads. When we played together in Saigon he was skating out. Little did I know this Canadian took it upon himself to play goalie since Phuket didn’t have one. Brings new meaning to the phrase “never say never.” I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks. Somehow on this tropical Island in Thailand I’m playing 3 times/week. Phuket holds its first tournament, great, make new friends, many whom I eventually end up playing with in Bangkok. Sadly Jo suddenly passed, and it was obvious his crucial part in keeping the community together. Everything happens for a reason. This was the stimulus for me to move to Bangkok. While the beach life was fun, I’m a city boy at heart.

Notable mention: My parents came to visit Phuket and my mother was very animate about not living in a communist country. Our HK roots are very strong, so that would rule out Vietnam and sadly now Hong Kong.

Arriving in Bangkok was easy as I had already been living in Thailand for 9 months and could speak a considerable amount of Thai. Next day after arriving I’m on the ice for Shinny. I see some familiar faces and make introductions. It’s the summer, but we still have hockey thanks to the large community of expats/Thais supporting the game. I’ve gone from the Big Apple to the Big Mango. Finally fall is here and the SHL is in flight. Great city, great times, great people. Hard to really ask for more. My life here is nearly identical to my New York life, minus the cold and crime with a better work/life balance. Will I be in Bangkok forever? I’ve found a great life and community here, but places/people/circumstances are ever changing. If you asked me in 2010 I would have told you I would live in New York my whole life. All one can do is prepare and adapt. Life is full of the unexpected…

May 1, 2007June 1, 2020

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)