The Irish Ice Hockey Association participated in the World Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend, with the Irish Woman’s National Team holding an off-ice fitness training session at the Strong Room Fitness and Wellness Centre in Dundalk, Ireland.
This is just one session the Irish team have organised in recent weeks in preparation for the 2013 IIHF World Women’s Championship Division II Group B Qualification which will be held in Izmir, Turkey from 1st – 8th December 2013.
Today, Sunday, the team had to endure a challenging training session with a top fitness instructor, with preparation well underway for the upcoming championship.
The team arrived early on Sunday morning and were briefed by their head coach Vytas Lukosevicius, who introduced the team staff. With a number of training sessions and trials previously held, Vytas congratulated the girls on their selection to represent their country, but stated that the real work starts today.
The team then hit the gym floor and were put through their paces by a top professional instructor. It was tough session, with various exercises being undertaken. During the final minutes, after sweating it out, the team had to work together in order to lift a weighted rope. With coordination and team work, the girls succeeded!
Ladies hockey in Ireland has developed greatly in recent years. A number of woman’s hockey events have been organised in Ireland and the passion and enthusiasm seems to grow among the players, new comers and IIHA staff collectively. With more females interested in the sport than ever before, on-ice resources are greatly needed.
Speaking after the event, head coach of the Irish Woman’s National Team, Vytas Lukosevicius said “It has been a great day, the fitness of the team is getting better. They are given a tough work out by a professional instructor in preparation for the Championships. We look forward to upcoming on ice trainings as we prepare for the Championships in December.”
President of the Irish Ice Hockey Association, William Fay said “It was great to see the turn out from the Ireland Woman’s Ice Hockey National Team who are so passionate about the game. A big thank you goes out to Tanya Foley and the IIHF for organising the World Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend, a special event in recognition and promotion for Women’s ice hockey and I can’t wait for next year.”