The Dundalk Bulls Ladies claimed the silver medal at the Ice Girls Tournament in Riga, Latvia on Saturday evening. Having arrived in Riga on Wedneday, the players were put through their paces with a training session and a friendly game against the Women’s U-18 Latvian National Team. Unfortunately, the Bulls Ladies lost by a score of 8 – 0 but it did set the standard for the tournament proper, which began on Friday and they went on to defeat the Ice Crocodiles, of Latvia, by a score of 8 – 0. However, the Ice Girls, hosts of the tournament, defeated the Bulls Ladies 1 – 0 in the next match which took place on Saturday morning. Certainly a thrilling encounter. The Bulls Ladies were back in action later on Saturday and came out all guns blazing defeating the Estonian Blue Whales 3 – 0. They were now through to the final against the Ice Girls but were on the wrong side of a final score line of 6 – 0. However, Silver was theirs and well deserved. An excellent trip for the Bull Ladies’ players and coaching staff and congratulations are certainly deserved.
Meanwhile, back in Ireland a recreational team from the USA played various games against the teams in Ireland as they enjoyed their stay in Dundalk. Thursday evening saw the Flyers I.H.C. come out victors by a score line of 12 – 5. Friday evening saw the Dundalk Bulls lose 6 -2 to the visiting team. However, Saturday was certainly the pick of the games as the Hawks came out 6 – 3 victors in a game that was end to end. It was very well attended too as the Hawks’ fans gave a great account of themselves and Irish ice hockey making the team from USA feel welcome. Sunday evening was the last game for the team as they again took on the Dundalk Bulls in a game that finished 12 – 11 to the Americans.
An excellent week of ice hockey and a great way to start the summer. Well done all, especially those who helped out at the games in Dundalk.
Photograph courtesy of www.derektuitephotography.ie