The Flying Ducks depart Irish shores early on Friday morning (01 May) in search of a chance to claim the Godiva cup in Coventry. They travel Dublin to Holyhead with Stenaline, who have been exceptional in their support for the team. Then it’s off by coach to Coventry where the team will be staying in a local hotel. The grand unveiling of the brand new Flying Ducks jersey will be at a public session that evening.
Godiva Cup:
Saturday 2nd of May; The first team to hit the ice will be the Under 12’s who will have four games. They will be playing against teams from Coventry, Solihull and Lee Valley, with the fhe first game facing off around 6pm. Day one will finish with one playoff game for 3rd place and followed by the Godiva Cup Under 12s’s Final. Then it’s back to the hotel for some dinner and an early night.
Sunday May 3rd; The Under 10 Flying Ducks are next to compete, with a 4pm faceoff planned.
Ahead of this game, the Ducks have been invited to a pre-game lunch with the Coventry team. The entire trip is aimed at providing players with an experience that they will never forget, and life long friendships. Following lunch its game time The Under 10’s will face teams from Coventry, Chelmsford and Blackpool. The same competition format will be put in place, a match to decide 1st and 2nd, and another to decide 3rd place.
After the Under 10’s are finished, The Flying Ducks under 16s take on Coventry in a challenge game. This game has the most potential for a display of skilled hockey, as these are our older players and the tempo is expected to be raised.
All of the games, including the Under 16s Challenge game have been granted sanction from the Irish Ice Hockey Association and Ice Hockey United Kingdom. The level of cooperation between the two shore at local and National Governing Body (NGB) level has been very positive and a model for the future.
The Flying Ducks team will be led by President Aisling Daly, Head Coach Giorgio Pavesio and his assistant coaches Will Fitzgerald and Chris Wheeler. The team is fortunate to have several people who hold Ice Hockey UK Coaching certificates and have several people who are medically qualified. In addition, the Flying Ducks take child protection very seriously and have over 10 people who are Garda vetted travelling to the tournament as well as the IIHA Child Protection Officer, Anne Marie Reilly.
The IIHA would like to wish the Flying Ducks the best of luck as they take on a new challenge in Coventry, we have no doubt you will give 110%, and will represent your club, and association well.
IIHA
If you are interested in getting your child involved with the Flying Duck please see www.flyingducks.ie