I got to watch an ice hockey game at the 2017 Philippine Ice Hockey Tournament at SM Skating in SM Megamall. The game scheduled from June 14-17, 2017 serves as Team Pilipinas’ preparation for the upcoming 2017 Southeast Asian Games. I’m not aware that our country competes competitively on ice hockey, but I’m not surprised.

Although we’re a tropical country, the presence of ice skating inside SM Malls has made it possible for Filipinos to do ice skating and even learn ice hockey. We have established our presence in figure skating competitions with the likes of Michael Martinez competing in the Olympics. With the skills, the desire to excel and competitive spirit, we can do it in sports events like this.

The 2017 Philippine Ice Hockey Tournament (PHIT) at SM Skating Megamall is a follow through in the successful hosting of the International Figure Skating Training Camp and the 2017 SEA Challenge at SM Skating  Seaside City in Cebu. This is an indication that worldwide ice sports events in our country continues to rise.

Under the PIHT’s adult division, Islanders Red (New York), Pandoo Nation (Singapore), Singapore Sting, Taipei U20, South Korea and Team Pilipinas compete in the International Open category while Canada ice hockey teams and Team Pilipinas B face off in the International 35+ category. The PIHT is a contact, non-hitting tournament and follows the International Ice Hockey Federation rules and regulations with PIHT specific alterations.

Although I’m not really a sport fan, one thing that I found interesting was learning that one of the goalie for Team Pilipinas is a female. She is Jessica Cabili, who  happens to be also a champion in figure skating.  She shared that she got hooked with the game because of the intensity and is different from figure skating.

I’m not aware of a woman playing ice hockey, at least not that I’m aware of. The game requires a different level of physicality, I admire her commitment to the game. Cabili shares that she does training during her days off and would also go to the gym.

I wish Team Pilipinas all the best in the 2017 Philippine Ice Hockey Tournament! And I do hope that the national team finds victory in all their competition. Catch the fastest game on the ice this June 14-17 at SM Skating Megamall! For updates and game results, follow SM Skating on Facebook and Instagram: @smskating.