Ice Dogs to Play Japanese National Team

December 4, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Long Beach Ice Dogs News Release


LONG BEACH, Calif. – On January 3rd, 2004, the Long Beach Ice Dogs will face off against their most unfamiliar opponent all season when the Japanese National Team comes to town. The exhibition game will be open to the public and will be the first opportunity for many to witness the growth ice hockey has had in Japan.

The Japanese National Team will be competing to participate in the 2006 Winter Olympics and are playing a series of games throughout North America to help gain some exposure. Though the game will not have an impact on their ECHL standings, the Ice Dogs will be looking to show their Japanese counterparts some of the best North America has to offer.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for Japanese Americans and fans of the sport to see how the game has grown" said Ice Dogs president, Tony Soares. "Our fans get to see night after night what players in traditional hockey markets can do, but now we will be able to showcase those players who have helped make hockey a global phenomenon."

On Monday, January 5th, there will be a second game featuring the Japanese National Team versus former NHL and minor league hockey players. Ice Dogs head coach Kevin Kaminski and former Ice Dogs player and coach Mark Hardy will participate. Coaching the NHL and minor pro players will be former Ice Dogs head coach John Van Boxmeer, who is currently an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Kings along with Mark Hardy.

Tickets for both games will be $12 for adults and $10 for children 14 and under. All proceeds for the January 5th game will benefit local charities. Both games will be played at the Long Beach Arena at 7pm. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster, at the Long Beach Arena box office, or by calling (562) ICE-DOGS.



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