PROJECT HOPE VISITS THE BIG APPLE
Skating at Rockefeller Center, a visit to the NHL Powered by Rbk Store and a trip to the top of the Empire State Building among the highlights
Posted by: Jason Lockhart, website/publications coordinator
Posted on: Tuesday January 22, 7:30 pm
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| Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images |
A memorable week for the Project Hope children of Qiqihar and Harbin ended with an exciting trip into New York City. Before leaving for China on Wednesday, the Chinese kids took a bus Tuesday morning to catch some sights in the United States' most populous city.
Their first stop took them to the world-famous Rockefeller Center. Despite the absence of the giant size Christmas Tree, the awe-inspiring location was a huge hit among the youngsters. Whizzing around the nearly empty ice skating rink, the Project Hope kids caught the attention of many passers-by, who were curious to find out more about the children dressed in long, black overcoats.
Even having played in a grueling three-day hockey tournament, the kids were elated to be back on the ice, and in a more familiar setting - outside. The rinks in the cities of Qiqihar and Harbin are located outside due to the long winters. Following their hour long skate outside 30 Rock, the kids walked over to a nearby Chinese restaurant for lunch.
The food gave the kids some added energy for their final two stops. The first was to the new NHL Powered By Rbk store, near Times Square. The sleek store quickly grabbed the Chinese kids' attention. The first few who entered raced to the two video game console, where an NHL game was loaded. Ironically, one of the consoles pit two Finnish teams against one another. A team from Ilves, Finland was one of the Chinese teams' competitors during the Lighthouse Tournament. The kids did not seem to mind.
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| Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images |
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| Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images |
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Also at the store were Islanders GM Garth Snow and Islanders Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Operations Chris Dey. Snow first spoke on the XM Satelite Radio NHL Stations, which broadcasts live from the back of the NHL store.
Following Snow were Dey, along with Harbin captai Zhu Ziyang and Islanders Iceworks employee Joseph Fu, who translated questions and answers between the parties. Zhu was asked what the highlight of the trip was.
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| Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images |
Zhu responded: "It was great being on the ice with the Islanders players and watching them. One day I would like to be an Islander."
With new goodies in hand, the youngsters made their way to the bus for one final stop. The final destination was the main event, New York's tallest buidling - the Empire State Building. For the second year in a row, the Project Hope kids traveled to the top of the Empire State Building.
With the financial district to the south, Central Park to the north, New Jersey to the West and Long Island to the East, there isn't a better view in the whole city.
It was a wonderful end to an exciting week in New York.
DICK'S SPORTING GOODS SHOPPING SPREE
Chinese players receive $50 gift certificates courtesy of Project Hope
Posted by: Jason Lockhart, website/publications coordinator
Posted on: Sunday, January 20, 10:40 pm
After a grueling three days of hockey, each Chinese kid from Qiqihar and Harbin were rewarded with a $50 shopping spree to Dick's Sporting Goods at the Roosevelt Field Mall. As an added bounus, Dick's tacked on an additional 10% discount for any hockey items bought.
While the added discount was certainly enticing, it was no surprise to see the two teams of Chinese youngsters head straight for the hockey section. With money in hand, the kids sifted through hockey sticks, gloves, skates and various other accessories.
The hottest row was the stick row, where some kids browsed for almost the entire hour. The kids would grab stick after stick examining its design, flex and height before making a decision.
Joining the Chinese kids were the Ilves players from Finland, who ironically had just come from an appetizing Chinese food dinner. With parents on hand, the Finns were also able to splurge at Dick's Sporting Goods. While there was still a language barrier between the two groups, the Finns and Chinese did compare some items they bought.
The hockey competition may be over, the Chinese kids still have two exciting days ahead of them. On Monday, they will be the main feature at the Islanders-Carolina game, when they stand with the players during the National Anthem and participate in a shootout between periods.
Tuesday, the kids travel into New York City for a full day of sightseeing.
WESTCHESTER TAKES PEE WEE INTERNATIONAL DIVISION
Qiqihar finishes second
Posted by: Jason Lockhart and Chris Botta
Posted on: Sunday, January 20, 5:30 pm
The Westchester Mariners took home the Pee Wee Championship Trophy of the International Division of the Lighthouse Tournament, defeating Qiqihar, China 6-2. Joe Ramondelli scored two third-period goals to ice the game that was close throughout. Sergio Maspons picked up the win, allowing only two goals.
"This entire experience of the Lighthouse Tournament was something my players, their parents and I will treasure forever," said Westchester head coach Tim Collins. "The scope of what Islanders put together this week was phenomenal. I’m proud of my team for winning our division, of course, but I would have been proud of them no matter the outcome. It was a privilege to be part of this."
After finishing in fourth place of last year's Project Hope invitational, Qiqihar showed vast improvement this year, going 2-1-0 in round-robin play to reach the Championship game. Two players in particular showed impressive skills on Qiqihar, Zhang Shuchao and Liu Qing. Shuchao led the tournament with eight goals, while Qing scored six in four games.
"I would be remiss if I didn’t say how impressed I was with the two teams from China that are part of Project Hope," continued Collins. "They play with lots of passion, lots of pride and you can tell how the skill level has grown in the few years since Project Hope started. I especially want to congratulate our opponents today from Qiqihar for making it to the Final. They were a very tough opponent. I didn’t feel we had the game won until the final buzzer."
After one period of play in today's Championship game, the score was tied at one on goals by Joey Pichiarallo and Shuchao. In the second period, the Mariners took a 3-1 lead before Shuchao cut the lead to 3-2 on a beautiful end-to-end rush.
But in the third, it was all Mariners, who scored three goals to increase their lead to 6-2. Maspons shut the door in the third, allowing no goals.
In the stands watching the Westchester-Qiqihar battle were the other participants in the Pee Wee International Division, Harbin from China and Ilves from Finland. Despite being out of the tournament, the family members of the Ilves team were waving their team flags throughout the game, cheering on their competitors.
"On behalf of everyone with the Westchester Mariners, I want to thank Charles Wang and the New York Islanders for the hospitality they showed our organization," said Collins. "I met Mr. Wang at the Project Hope Banquet last night and I was blown away by his generosity and class. We will never forget this weekend with the Islanders."
FOUR TEAMS UNITE
After two days of of battling it out on the ice, the teams from China, Finland and the United States came together for a fun skills competition and dinner banquet
Posted by: Jason Lockhart, website/publications coordinator
Posted on: Saturday, January 19, 6:50 pm
For the second year in a row, the players from China competed in a friendly Skills Competition with their counterparts. Similar to the NHL Skills Competition prior to the All-Star Game, the youngsters faced-off in a series of competitions, including fastest skater, hardest shot and shooting accuracy. The goaltender event consisted of stopping shooters on breakaways.
The event put a smile on all of the kids' faces, but the day was far from over.
Prior to the Islanders-Flyers game, all four teams, including the delegates and coaches ventured over the Marriott for a classy banquet. To create an even more cultural experience, the kids from China, Finland and the United States sat with each other, doing as best as they could to communicate. With translators on hand a sucessful language barrier was removed.
Following the dinner, Alex Peng, the Islanders' Chinese play-by-play man, who broadcasts the Islanders games in Mandarin through Islanders TV, introduced Islanders owner Charles Wang and general manager Garth Snow.
“My only advice to the children is to enjoy every moment of your time here - savor it, learn from it,” Charles told the children. “Project Hope is about more than the game of ice hockey – it is about family, it is about community. Here’s to making this one of the most unforgettable weeks of your young lives.”
With the conclusion of Charles' speech, Project Hope Chief Representative in Harbin and Chief Representative of the New York Islanders office in Harbin Mr. Wang Jinyu presented Charles with a number of gifts, including commemorative 2008 Beijing Olympic coins, and a beutiful porcelain sculpture of a rare bird only found the province of Harbin.
QIQIHAR AND WESTCHESTER HEADED TO CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY
Westchester tops preliminary round with 2-0-1 record, while Qiqihar finishes second at 2-1-0; Ilves and Harbin play excellent games in the tournament
Posted by: Adam Sherlip, Lighthouse Tournament International Division Liaison
Posted on: Saturday, January 19, 2:55 pm
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| Team Qiqihar vs. Westchester |
Congratulations to the Westchester Mariners and Qiqihar for advancing to the finals, which will be played on Sunday at 3:50 pm. Westchester finished the tournament undefeated, finishing their preliminary round play with a 7-2 victory over Harbin this morning.
In the other game this morning, Ilves and Qiqihar were playing for the right to make it to the finals on Sunday. Qiqihar won 5-0 on three goals by Liu Qing and two by Zhang Shuchao. Li Jiaxu recorded his second shutout of the tournament to keep Ilves off the board.
This year we've had four very even teams as indicated by the records. Westchester came in first, but they had some tough games, tying Ilves on Friday. The closeness of the games shows a lot about the caliber of the Project Hope schools and the amount of improvement from last season.
Ilves and Harbin should be very proud of the way they team played. I'm sure they'll be excited to stay and watch the championship game on Sunday.
I have to run for now. The Skills Competition is now underway. It's been fun seeing the kids compete in a little friendly competition and sitting beside each other on the bench. I'll be back later with a recap from the Skills Competition.
ILVES AND WESTCHESTER TAKE THEIR SECOND GAMES
Westchester and Ilves defeat exhausted Qiqihar and Harbin teams to finish Day 1
Posted by: Adam Sherlip, Lighthouse Tournament International Division Liaison
Posted on: Saturday, January 19, 11:15 am
Westcester has improved to 1-0-1 in tournament play, while Ilves-Finland picked up their first win of the tournament and are also 1-0-1. Ilves defeated Harbin, while Westchester knocked off Qiqihar, which moved to 1-1 on the tournament.
Ilves and Westchester played excellent games, but everyone realized how exhausted the two Chinese teams - -Qiqihar and Harbin -- were. They were still feeling the effects from being jet-lagged and the excitement from the morning's earlier events.
Ilves and Westchester skated very well and looked fresh. I was really happy to see the gift exchange before the Qiqihar-Ilves game.
We have a lot more action today including skills competition at 2 pm. It should be another great day.
Qiqihar bounced back well this morning, defeating Ilves 5-0. As we speak, Harbin and Westchester are going head-to-head.
Stay tuned for more details from today's games.
FINLAND AND WESTCHESTER SKATE TO A 3-3 TIE
Akseli Arvaja scores three for Finland and Mark Umbro nets two and adds an assist for Westchester
Posted by: Jason Lockhart, website/publication coordinator
Posted on: Friday, January 18, 3:00 pm
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| Ilves Player of the Game Olli Ojanen |
The International Division of the Lighthouse Tournament heated up with second game of the tournament. Akseli Arvaja from Ilves of Finald scored his third goal of the game late in the third period to tie the game at three with the Mariners from Westchester. Mark Umbro countered for Westchester with a goal and an assist.
Westchester went ahead 1-0 in the first period, 2-1 in the second and 3-2 in the third, but Finland always Arvaja always had an answer to give Ilves and Westchester ties in their opening games.
Notes: Ilves netminder
Olli Ojanen and Westchester forward
Shmuley Reitman were named the Players of the Game for each team. Reitman tallied Westerchester's third goal...Following the conclusion of the game, the Ilves team saluted their fans in the stands by slapping their sticks on the ice and then waving them in the air.
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| Westchester Mariners |
A GREAT MORNING
A hectic, but sucessful opening game concludes
Posted by: Jason Lockhart, website/publication coordinator
Posted on: Friday, January 18, 2:45 pm
Day 2 started early for the Chinese kids, some of whom woke up as early as 5 o'clock. They were so excited to play on the Coliseum ice that they put their equipment on an hour and a half before the game.
Qiqihar is a great team. Harbin did a good job trying to keep pace. Qiqihar has two superstars, who are going to give all three teams a tough time.
Following the game, the Chinese kids visited the Cradle of Aviation and will play later tonight against Ilves from Finland and the Mariners from Westchester.
QIQIHAR OPENS TOURNAMENT WITH A WIN
Qiqihar's Liu Qing and Zhang Shuchao record hat tricks, Li Jiaxu records 6-0 shutout
Posted by: Jason Lockhart, website/publication coordinator
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| Liu Qing |
Posted on: Friday, January 18, 12:40 pm
Still feeling the effects from a 15-hour plane ride the day before, the jet-lagged, but excited players from Qiqihar and Harbin, China took to the ice Friday morning in front of dozens of media members.
For most of the children, this was their first time visiting the United States, but for a couple of veterans, this was old hat. Liu Qing and Zhang Shuchao, who competed in last year's Project Hope Invitational led Qiqihar by each scoring hat tricks in a 6-0 win.
Zhan
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| Zhang Shuchao |
g's stickhandling ability was absolutely incredible. His toe-drag looked similar to Trent Hunter and Mike Comrie's signature move.
Liu, on the other hand, dazzled everyone in the crowd with his excellent skating. Moving back and forth, while using his edges well, even Islanders head coach Ted Nolan took notice of the youngster.
Qiqihar controlled the puck for much of the game. Harbin had some chances, but Li Jiaxu shut the door to open the tournament with a shutout.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
The Chinese and Finnish kids in the International Division of the Lighthouse Tournament receive a warm welcome to Long Island
Posted by: Jason Lockhart, website/publication coordinator
Posted on: January 17, 6:35 pm
Wearing their sleek, black jump suits, the Chinese kids from Harbin and Qiqihar, set to begin play in the International Division of the Lighthouse Tournament on Friday, rolled their heavy luggage out of JFK International Airport, where they were greeted by that loveable, effervescent smiling dragon, Sparky.
Their spirits quickly went from drained, following a 15-hour long plane ride, to excited, knowing that – for some – this was their first taste of America. What a welcome, from the world's friendliest dragon.
The kids packed into four vans, which whisked them away to the Marriott, where they will be staying for the duration of the tournament.
Once in the hotel, the Chinese kids were welcomed by a number of other Islanders represented and one of their competitors – Ilves-Hockey Oy from Finland.
The two teams eyed each other, but exchanged pleasantries during a photo op.
The Finnish team arrived a day earlier and seemed to have a little more jump in their step after a day's rest at the Marriott and about half as much travel time.
"It was a long trip," said 12-year old Valtteri, who's been playing hockey since he was five. "This is my first time in the US and I am very excited. It's a big city."
Added teammate Akseli, "I've seen Chi
nese before in Sweden, but this will be the first time I've ever played against them in hockey. We look forward to it."
Like Valtteri and Akseli, for many of the Chinese kids, this is their first visit to the United States and their first experience of international competition. Three kids have returned from last year's Project Hope Invitational, but the rest are first-timers.
"This is my first time in America," said Liu Bo, who plays for Qiqihar. "We heard the teams had a fun time last year. We have already defeated Harbin back in China, but it should be a fun tournament."
The Chinese and Finnish teams will begin tournament play tomorrow. Harbin and Qiqihar will face off at 9 am at the Nassau Coliseum to kick-off the tournament.
Also competing in the International Division are the Westchester Mariners, who played in last year's Project Hope Invitational.
INTERNATIONAL DIVISION SCHEDULE
Friday, January 18 - Coliseum
9:00 am: Qiqihar vs. Harbin
Friday, January 18 - Iceworks
1:00 pm: Ilves vs. Westchester
6:00 pm: Harbin vs. Ilves
7:00 pm: Qiqihar vs. Westchester
Saturday, January 19 – Iceworks
10:00 am: Qiqihar vs. Ilves
11:00 am: Harbin vs. Westchester
Saturday, January 19 - Coliseum
2:00 pm: Got Skills Competition
Sunday, January 20 – Nassau Coliseum
3:50 pm: Championship Game
WELCOME BACK!
It's great to see some familiar faces
Posted by: Adam Sherlip, Lighthouse Tournament International Division Liaison
Posted on: January 17, 6:35 pm
I first off just want to welcome back the Chinese players and delegates from Harbin, who were here last year. It was great to see some familiar faces – both players and delegates, whom I met here last here and while I was in Jiamusi in China.
After they arrived at the Marriott, the Chinese kids and delegates enjoyed a nice dinner. The kids had a fun time scooping their own ice cream. They went to bed soon after, which ins understandable considering how much flying they've done.
The Finns went swimming after dinner, since they've become acclimated to the time change.
The Chinese kids have an early day tomorrow. They will play against each other at 9 am in front of Chinese and American media. They're really excited.
During the day, all of the kids will be going to the Cradle of Aviation, which isn't far from here.
We're all anxious and excited to see the tournament get started tomorrow.
