Hong Kong's Mega Ice Applauds Professional Hockey Growth In China

Dec. 23, 2008 - PRLog -- Hong Kong,   Sports company Mega Ice has a stunning rink for ice hockey and with professional outfits scoping China for profitable business ventures, the Hong Kong-based company believes the sport will soon take off in the region.
   
North America’s National Hockey League has long eyed the Chinese market for potential expansion. The San Jose Sharks is one organization that has bit off a chunk of the Chinese market because it believes it will blossom in the years ahead.

“We feel the future in China is extremely bright,” said Chris Collins, a former NHL scout and broadcaster from California who was appointed general manager of the China Sharks, a professional team in the Asian Hockey League.

“Is it going to be easy? Certainly not. But we’re helping them to build from the ground floor up. If we do this right, it will be a path for the rest of the NHL to come to China,” Collins said.

San Jose’s owners, in partnership with a U.S.-based sports consultancy company, plan to invest close to $1-million in the China Sharks. To bolster the faltering team, San Jose sent three coaches and five minor-league players from North America to play for the squad and train its Chinese players.

Former professional skaters have also come to China to make a living. Sharks GM Doug Wilson recently offered 43-year-old former NHLer Claude Lemieux a chance to play two weeks in China for San Jose’s affiliate based in Shanghai. Lemieux played five games in eight nights and averaged 25 minutes a game before heading to the United States-based club.

With hockey eyes on China, Mega Ice is hoping its state-of-the-art facility and Hong Kong’s large population can entice professional organizations.  

Mega Ice launched its operation in MegaBox Mall two years ago with a spectacular rink. Measuring 26 metres by 57 metres, it is the only international-sized ice surface in Hong Kong.

Situated in the Beehive atrium of MegaBox Mall, the venue offers a stunning 30-meter-wide glass window with full views of the harbor.

The gorgeous multi-purpose facility is also designed for performances, concerts, exhibitions, corporate and private functions – even birthday parties.

About Mega Ice
The Mega Ice - http://www.megaice.com.hk - ice rink is the only international-sized ice surface in Hong Kong bringing world class hockey, skating and figure skating.

For more information contact:
Keith Fong
MegaIce
keith@megaice.com.hk