TR: Japan W23 - Hokkaido

[boltonoutlaw]

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:




The barn, from behind the net (pre-game):




View from the red line (pre-game):




Opening ceremonies:




Officialdom:




Puck drop:

[boltonoutlaw]

Tayoroshi Hinata Ski Area 士別市日向スキー場

[boltonoutlaw]

[Lvovsky]

What happened between Feb 1 and Mar 20?

Awesome TR. hope all is well