Hockey officials in Belfast ahead of tournament

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Brian Kingston, welcomed representatives of the four American college teams competing in the Friendship Four Ice Hockey tournament. The visitors were in Belfast as part of an NCAA Inspection Team ahead of the tournament taking place over the Thanksgiving Weekend in the city’s SSE Arena. Pictured alongside the Lord Mayor are (l-r) ECAC Hockey Commissioner Steve Hagwell, Randy LaBrake of St. Lawrence University, Greg Amodio of Quinnipiac University, Chairman of the Odyssey Trust, Eric Porter, Joe Gervais of University of Vermont, Brennen McHugh of University of Massachusetts, and Hockey East Commissioner, Joe Bertanga.


By Evan Short


 

The Friendship Four ice-hockey festival that sees U.S. university ice hockey teams play in Belfast has been officially launched with a visit to the city by officials from the sport’s governing body.

The Inspection Team for the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) games was officially welcomed to the city by Lord Mayor, Alderman Brian Kingston, who hosted a special reception in City Hall.

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The tournament will feature four teams playing at the city’s SSE Arena over Thanksgiving weekend. Quinnipiac University, The University of Vermont, St. Lawrence University and the University of Massachusetts will compete against one another on November 25 and 26 for the coveted Belpot Trophy.

The Inspection Team visiting Belfast included ECAC Hockey Commissioner Steve Hagwell, Hockey East Commissioner Joe Bertagna, and U.S. hockey star Ralph Cox.

Lord Mayor Kingston, said he was excited ahead of the tournament.

“I’m delighted to welcome the inspection team to Belfast and hope their visit will be a very productive one, not only through their remit of inspecting the SSE Arena ahead of the Friendship Four games, but getting to visit some of our city’s other top attractions whilst here.

“The buzz generated already has been amazing and it can only get better. Hosting this prestigious tournament in Belfast is a direct outcome of our Sister Cities relationships with the United States and will undoubtedly bolster further exchanges particularly in terms of our business, tourism and educational links. It will be a great boost to our economy,” Kingston said.

Robert Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Odyssey Trust, said: “The Odyssey Trust is very proud that having chosen our city to host the first ever competitive games outside of America last year, the NCAA continues to support us through this venture.

“This ice hockey festival is an opportunity to give back to the communities that have been loyal to us over the years, and we truly want to make this an event that is open to all.”

The games were played over Thanksgiving Weekend last November welcoming 600 visitors from Boston and North America to the city through participation or attendance at the event with visitor spend estimated at £273,000.

The games were also televised live to millions of hockey fans in North America and Canada – thus promoting Belfast internationally.

Around 10,000 tickets will be distributed to schools and youth groups from all parts of Belfast, giving them the opportunity to experience world class sport in action.

More at http://www.friendshipfour.com and www.belfastcity.gov.uk/friendshipfour.

 

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