WATCH: Ice hockey is one of the coolest sports around

It was a fairly warm evening when EXPRESS visited Sabres Ice Hockey Club but it was a different case when inside the club’s home grounds, Festival Mall Ice Rink.

It was freezing cold as one could expect from a playground that is nothing but ice.

There is something that keeps the players fired up on the ice despite their well-padded gear and warm-up sessions; it is their passion for the sport which is quite evident as you step into the rink.

The club’s owner and ice hockey fanatic Eddie Compton has a warm smile and is very welcoming, which makes you forget about the cold and channels you towards sharing his love for the sport.

“The club is growing both its junior and senior teams and we are inviting you to join us in strengthening the sport in South Africa,” said Compton.

“The club has developed over the past 11 years and now fields teams in the u-12, u-14, u-16, girls’ u-18, u-20, second division, first division in the Premier Hockey League and Super Hockey League. We also participate in the Gauteng Ice Hockey Association League which is affiliated to the South African Ice Hockey Federation, which is affiliated with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).

“The club was born from the need to develop ice hockey players who wish to progress from junior to senior and semi-professional status. Ice hockey is the coolest sport in the world and that’s not because it is played on ice.”

EXPRESS also saw junior players braving not only the ice but the skillful training sessions.

“Our club comprises children from six years and we provide that vital link to further develop players while supporting the lower sections. We also have a firm commitment to youth development,” said Compton.

Sports ethics are deeply rooted, one of them being a stand against drugs.

“We, as a club, support the ‘No Drugs’ message. Ice hockey players are sportsmen and don’t use body-enhancing drugs.

“Ice hockey is the fastest, most exciting sport played by over two million people in the world. This sport gives you the chance to improve your agility, strength, co-ordination, develop your sportsmanship and self-confidence. It is a sport built on teamwork, discipline and speed, and from the moment you step on the ice, you will make new friends and begin to learn the skills of the game in a positive, healthy and safe environment.”

Sabres boasts a number of championship and league wins over the years and it is also proud that it has representation in the South African teams competing in the 2018 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships.

If you want to be cool and join the 101 members of the club, you are welcome to join their training sessions which every Tuesday from 6.15pm at Festival Mall.

For more information contact Compton on 082 945 4452.