Loons tie with Emirates to mark new rink

Dubai: The Atom Maple Leaf Loons drew 4-4 with the Atom Canadian CAE Emirates in the first match at the Dubai Mall's ice rink.

The two junior teams are part of the Dubai Sandstorms ice hockey club, who are hoping the rink will help promote the sport.

Isabelle Jones, President of the Sandstorms, said: "We are delighted that one more ice rink has come up in Dubai.''

Yesterday's match was keenly fought with Jack Day scoring three goals for the Canadians while his teammate Parker Vander Staak scored one goal with three assists.

For the Maple Leaf Loons, Megan Forest and Ethen Berry scored two goals each. The match was officiated by Drew Gibson and Matt Jones. The Dubai Sandstorms president said the new rink was a top facility.

She said: "It is bigger, and has got better ice. The windows are also safer for the players. We are happy to have been given the opportunity to use this rink.

"Our season had started in September and will go on till the end of March. We have over 12 teams with players between the ages of five to 17. Over 20 nationalities play in our league.

"We have five divisions and we play tournaments in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and Qatar.

"We are gearing up for a tour of Finland in December for the 11 to 12-year-old players and in April we play in Latvia with our 14 to 17 year old players.

"We want to attract more players into the game and is expecting more sponsorship support too.''