After an outstanding 2009 season, the Hikers Hockey Club is once again looking to give it’s youngsters a taste of international competition. This time around they will team up with the Old Fort Hockey Club as both clubs look to give their players early expose to the artificial surface that the international game is now played exclusively on.
Hikers became the first local team to feature in the Trinidad and Tobago Easter tournament, when they made their debut last year. The tournament is open to all clubs and schools within the Caribbean region and is played over a three day period with under 13, 16 and 21 categories for both boys and girls teams. Last year, Hikers placed third in the under 16 category, with their star player Shaquelle Assanah being named MVP of that category. In the under 21 category their two wins and two losses were not enough to get them out of the group stage.
The exposure that these young players received at last years tournament was the main catalyst for the team’s successful year in which they returned to captured the Noble House Goals Galore Second Division Title. They then went on to play undefeated to take the John Fernandes Insurance Second Division League Title and the GT&T Under 19 National indoor title. The outstanding youngsters from this team also played key roles in helping their senior team secure the Farfan and Mendes first division league title and the Banks Night Hockey first division title, as well as the Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor title for the fourth time in the past five years.
With the recent increase in airfare to the twin island republic the two clubs are still hoping to raise enough funds to cover the team’s participation in this year’s tournament which runs from the 31st of March to the 2nd of April at the Trinidad & Tobago National Hockey Centre. The team has already secured the look to match their silky smooth skills after being outfitted with new kit by Woodpecker Products, while Global Technology continues their invaluable educational partnership with the junior team.
Hikers Hockey Club Junior Team Complete 2009 Results;
Mr. Topper Indoor Tournament – Second Division Runners-up
Trinidad & Tobago Junior Easter Tournament Under 16 category – 3rd Place (Shaquelle Assanah MVP)
Noble House Goals Galore Indoor Tournament – Second Division Champions
Banks Night Hockey Tournament – Second Division Runners-up
John Fernandes Insurance Second Division League – Champions (Played Undefeated)
GT&T National Indoor Championships – Under 19 Champions & Second Division Runners-up