Go Team Ireland !
For any player anywhere in the world that enjoys the great game, your biggest dream is playing for your country. I can tell you that when you have just captained your Country to its first ever win, in its first ever-International Tournament and you are standing on the ice listening to your National Anthem and the hairs are standing up on the back of your neck, and its St Patrick's Day, you are on top of the world.
The IIHA send players from both sides of the border to represent Ireland at International Competition. The green machine is on a roll. Places are fought for and unfortunately only 18 players and 2 goalies can be selected to play. Team Ireland take part in their second IIHF Div III WC in March 2005 in Mexico City. Before the games Ireland will play warm up friendly games throughout Europe. Recently Ireland played Luxembourg and lost 5 v 3. The Irish beat a team from New York 13 v 11 in the Odyssey Arena in Belfast in Nov 2004.
It's off to the U.K in December for Team Ireland to take on more teams. The home ice advantage at the outdoor rink in Dublin over the festive season will no doubt be instrumental in preparing the athletes for game competition. Team Ireland need all the games and game experience it can get before Mexico.
The National Squad have been working very closely with the Belfast Giants this season. Mr John Elliott (GM) of the Giants is a big supporter of Team Ireland. John has made the ice time available at the Odyssey Arena on Giants game days for the National Squad. Ireland now trains in a state of the art arena almost every week. The Irish coach, Mr Jim Graves is encouraged by this as it allows him to work with power play lines and see who plays well with who.
The team continue to drive to Belfast every week and dig deep in to their pockets to subsidise their travel funds. With no support from the Irish Sports Council or Irish Govt. the IIHA and players have to foot the bill. We are actively seeking a sponsor for the World Championships next march.
Go Ireland Go !
