Centurion Hosts Prestigious Junior Ice Hockey Tournament

Nick Beukes (second from left), head coach of the Forest Rats Ice Hockey Club, based at The Ice Rink in the Forest Hill City centre in Centurion, with some of his junior players who are preparing for the South African Junior Inter-provisional ice hockey tournament, which starts this coming weekend at the club. Foto: Koos Venter

Get ready, sports fans! Next week, Pretoria will buzz with excitement as Centurion plays host to the South African Junior Inter-provincial Ice Hockey Tournament. This isn’t just any tournament; it’s a showcase of the nation’s top junior ice hockey talent, promising high-octane action and nail-biting moments.

Ice hockey may not dominate the sports scene in South Africa as it does in the northern hemisphere, but don’t be fooled—the intensity and passion of the game here are second to none. According to Nick Beukes, the head coach of the Forest Rats Ice Hockey Club, the energy on the ice is electrifying. With 38 years of experience as a player, coach, and spectator, including time with South Africa’s national men’s team, Beukes knows a thing or two about the game.

The Forest Rats Ice Hockey Club, based at The Ice Rink in Forest Hill City Centre, Centurion, will be the heart of the action from June 16th to June 23rd. This modern venue is set to host the tournament, bringing together teams from Gauteng, the Western Cape, and an invitational team featuring clubs from KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

Thrills on Ice: Centurion Hosts Prestigious Junior Ice Hockey Tournament

Pretoria’s ice hockey scene is vibrant, with three clubs—Forest Rats, Pretoria Ice Hawks, and Pretoria Capitals—leading the charge. These clubs, along with the Sabers from Kempton Park, and the Wolves and Vipers from Northgate, form the backbone of the Gauteng Ice Hockey Association, which is responsible for this year’s tournament.

Teams will compete across four age groups, with mixed teams (boys and girls) in the U12 and U14 categories, and separate boys’ and girls’ teams in the U16, U18, and U20 categories. The tournament promises fierce competition and unforgettable moments as these young athletes battle for supremacy.

The tournament coincides with the school holidays, making it the perfect family outing. The Gauteng Ice Hockey Association invites everyone to come and support the future stars of South African ice hockey. With free entry and easy access via the N14 Krugersdorp highway, there’s no reason to miss out on the excitement.

Matches kick off on Sunday, June 16th, with early morning games starting at 6:00 AM and an evening game at 5:00 PM. The action continues through to June 23rd, with multiple opportunities to catch a game and experience the thrill of ice hockey.

For more information, reach out to Nick Beukes at 066-252-7392 or email him at nick@ratsicehockey.co.za. Mark your calendars and prepare for an icy showdown that promises to be an exhilarating experience for all!

Source: Pretoria News