Konnichiwa Japan!, News (Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario)

On Saturday, November 14, 2015 the Minor Bantam AAA Waterloo Wolves faced off against the Minor Bantam AAA Kitchener Jr. Rangers in the 2015 Toyota Hockey Challenge.  This was the final game following a series of round robin games which also featured the Minor Bantam AAA Cambridge Hawks.  On the line for the Champion...an all-expenses paid trip to Japan courtesy of Toyota Motor Manufacturing. 

Following months of preparation the trip has finally arrived and the adventure has begun.  While in Japan, the team will be immersed in the local culture and play a game against the Tomakomai All-Stars!

Waterloo Minor Bantam AAA Itinerary:
March 9 - Arrive in Japan
March 10 - Visit to City Hall, local Shrine, local school, on-ice practice, welcome party
March 11 - Visit TMH, Sightseeing, Exhibition Game
March 12 - Experience true Japanese culture through a home visit
March 13 - Feature Hockey Game, shopping excursion, Farewell Party
March 14 - Depart Hokkaido, Tokyo sightseeing, Depart for Canada
    

Tomakomai is a city and port in Iburi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. It is the largest city in the Iburi Subprefecture and the fifth largest city in Hokkaido with a population of 174,000.

Our special thanks to Toyota Motor Manufacturing for their generosity and support of this amazing opportunity!  We hope the team has a safe and successful adventure!  




Quick facts:
Japan is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean with high-rise-filled cities, imperial palaces, mountainous national parks and thousands of shrines and temples. Tokyo, the crowded capital, is known for its neon skyscrapers and pop culture. In contrast, Kyoto offers Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, gardens and cherry blossoms. Sushi, the national dish, is served everywhere from casual pubs to gourmet restaurants.

• Population:127.3 million (2013)
• Emperor:Akihito
• Capital:Tokyo