Game On: A Company of Cold Enthusiasts

Inevitably, the Beijing winter throws up two options. You can either work on your drinking arm - an option preferred by the majority of the city’s expat community throughout the sub-zero period, or you can pull on your long johns, dig out your woolen socks and tackle the cold head on. For those not cowed by her coldest months, Beijing offers plenty of opportunity to stay active through the hibernation season. The Beijing International Ice Hockey League circuit is not only for toothless Canadians who’ve taken one too many pucks to the head, but stereotypes are somewhat justified; Canucks make up about 40 percent of the league (and there are plenty of missing teeth). Comprised of around 110 players, a dozen nationalities are represented, mostly from the northern European regions, along with an Irishman and a Greek.

Between September and April, each Sunday you can join people kicking ice and taking names. This ritual has been going on since the mid-1990s when the circuit was first conceived.

The biggest promoter of the league is Curtis Dracz, who comes from the hockey-crazed nation of Canada. Shortly after arriving in the Chinese capital he found himself heavily immersed in the organization.

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For more infomation on the BIIHL contact cdracz@gmail.com

Photo: Ken