5 Attachment(s)
JAPAN: HOCKEY NIGHT IN ASAHIKAWA
Time to switch it up - can't go to the onsen every day, right?
Decided to go to Asahikawa to see a hockey game, East Hokkaido Cranes -v- Nikko Ice Bucks. Both teams play in Asia League Ice Hockey (website) (Wiki).
Four goals scored in first 7 minutes of the contest. 3 penalties in the entire game. Talent level is akin to NCAA Division 2. Lots of passing, no end-to-end breakaways, pretty clean hockey.
No heat in the barn, dress for an icebox.
East Hokkaido Cranes team bus:
Attachment 444903
The barn, from behind the net (pre-game):
Attachment 444904
View from the red line (pre-game):
Attachment 444905
Opening ceremonies:
Attachment 444906
Officialdom:
Attachment 444907
Puck drop:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0_Tn-Q0t3g