San Pedro Buccaneers and Withrow Park (Toronto) Tropical Knights come together for a group shot at the end of the tournament. Two things that I heard and liked a lot: "Wait until next year!" and "We'll bring more teams!" At San Pedro High School.
They called the tournament the inaugural Caribbean Coconut Cup and the grand prize was an artfully carved and lacquered Belizean wood-and-coconut trophy.
The program cover described it as an "International Friendly Ball Hockey Tournament." And it was indeed friendly - after the games. At Wayo's or some other fine beachside drinking and socializing establishment. During the games? Let's just say there are some aches and pains to be dealt with today. These teams played for real.
The big draw was the Withrow Park Tropical Knights from Toronto. These guys get together every year and vacation in some exotic, tropic, bucolic, serendipitous place where they play local hockey teams. In other words, they mix a lifelong passion for hockey with new pleasures while forging new friendships.
At this point I know what your are thinking: Local hockey teams? Here in Belize? Here on Ambergris Caye? You bet your hockey stick, bucko. On Saturday the Tropical Knights came straight off the plane to play back-to-back games against the San Pedro Buccaneers which split into two teams, Squad 1 and Squad 2, for logistical reasons.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the Bound for Belize Blog
Tropical Knights win the Caribbean Coconut Hockey Cup
The San Pedro Buccaneers, Belize's only ball hockey club, held its inaugural Caribbean Coconut Hockey Cup against Withrow Park Hockey Club's Tropical Knights from Toronto, Canada. Hosted at the Angel Nu�ez Auditorium on Saturday, February 4th and Monday, February 6th, the bleachers were packed with an enthusiastic crowd of fans.
Both Squad 1 and Squad 2 teams congratulated the Tropical Knights, presenting them with a handcrafted trophy. In a show of great sportsmanship, the Tropical Knights gifted the Buccaneers their hockey sticks and equipment, saying that it was an honor to have played in Belize.
The Buccaneers formed about seven years ago, comprising of Belizeans and expats from Canada, the United States, and England. Organizer Victor Murphy stated that he is grateful for the opportunity given to his team. "I thank the Tropical Knights for allowing us to expose our love for hockey within the community. Although we lost the challenge, we were honored to have received their hockey sticks and equipment. Our teams will continue practicing, and hopefully we can have another tournament in the future," said Murphy.
Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun