Celebrating a Decade of Hockey Excellence: Warriors Hockey Club's 10th Anniversary Tournament
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On the 1st and 2nd of June, the air in Finland was filled with the exhilarating sounds of hockey sticks clashing and cheers erupting as Warriors Hockey Club commemorated its remarkable 10-year journey with a spectacular weekend-long hockey 7s tournament. From celebrations to intense matches, the event encapsulated the spirit of camaraderie and competition that defines the sport of field hockey.
With nine teams participating across two categories - men and women - and the inclusion of three junior teams from two clubs, the tournament was a testament to the passion and inclusivity of field hockey in the region. Adding an international flair to the event, the presence of the Stockholm Lions from Sweden not only enhanced the competitive atmosphere but also underscored the shared passion for the sport across borders.
Under the scorching sun and historic location of the Helsinki Velodrome (the location of the 1952 Olympics), players and spectators alike were treated to a weekend filled with laughter, sportsmanship, and unforgettable moments. The festivities kicked off with a welcome to the competing teams as well as the Warriors opening their cafe, which included a myriad of goods such as toasted sourdough cheese sandwiches and custom hockey decorated cookies.
On the day, the Warriors' junior players were also awarded for their indoor achievements and actively participated in various aspects of the event, from hosting announcements, acting as ball kids, to demonstrating their developing skills on the field.
Saturday evening saw the convergence of hockey players at the renowned Teurastamo, where the Warriors hosted a lively BBQ with a blend of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and perhaps a bit of dancing. The sense of community and shared love for the sport showed in every aspect of the gathering.
As Sunday dawned, anticipation started to peak as teams battled it out for supremacy on the field. In the women's division, WHC Thunder emerged victorious in the bronze medal match against HC Kilppari, securing a 3-1 win. The gold medal clash witnessed an exhilarating showdown between WHC Lightning and Vantaa HC, with WHC Lightning emerging triumphant with a narrow 2-1 victory.
In the men's category, the Stockholm Lions showcased their prowess by clinching the bronze trophy against Espoo Wanderers with a score of 2-1. However, it was Warriors A who stole the spotlight in the gold medal match against Vantaa HC, claiming a resounding 3-1 victory and reaffirming their dominance on the field.
Beyond the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, the tournament also provided an opportunity to express gratitude to the volunteers and umpires whose unwavering dedication ensured the smooth functioning of the event. Their invaluable contributions were duly acknowledged with heartfelt thanks and medals, underscoring the importance of teamwork and collaboration in the successful execution of such events.
As the day drew to a close on the weekend of hockey, acknowledgments (and chocolates) were bestowed upon the top performers. Alex van Hooren from Warriors HC emerged as the top scorer with an impressive tally of 10 goals, while Jenni Juntunen led the women's division with 8 goals. Elisa Vaittinen and Paavo Ondreka were hailed as the top goalkeepers of the day, showcasing their exceptional skills with 60 and 48 saves respectively.
Looking back, the 10th-anniversary tournament was not only celebrating a decade of hockey passion but also reminding us of the strong bond and love for the game that makes Warriors Hockey Club special. As the cheers die down, we want to give a big shoutout to everyone who joined in – players, family, friends and volunteers. Here's to more unforgettable moments and fun times on the field in the future!
📸Ville Järvinen (kuvat)