Know the Facts
History and Expansion:
The Asian Hockey Championship began in 1989, when a group of male friends got together to play a fun four team tournament.
Today the face of the tournament has evolved to:
- Over 70 teams and more than 1000 players; including women's and children's divisions.
- Include an entertainment and cultural portion
- Include a rink dedicated solely to community activities such as hockey lessons and free skates.
In 2006, the Mayhem Dragons were the first female team to join the tournament breaking the men's only mold. In 2007 a 4 team Women's Division was added. This was again expanded to 8 women's teams in 2017.
In 2008 a Children's Division consisting of 6 teams was added. In 2011 the Children's Division expanded to 8 teams and in 2018 there were 7 children's divisions and 28 teams. The children's divisions are composed of children aged 6 to 15 of various playing levels.
We have had participation from teams in other provinces (Québec, Manitoba) and interest from China, USA and Japan.
We are represented by players that have played in the AHL, OHL, European hockey, Junior and AAA.
Growth of the Tournament:
- 2003 – 8 teams and 120 players
- 2004 – 16 teams and 240 players
- 2008 – 40 teams and 600 players
- 2018 – 70 teams and over 1000 players
Cultural Event:
The event is not just a tournament for the players, but an experience for family, friends and the community.
Entertainment Portion of the Event:
- Martial Arts Demonstration
- Tai Chi Demonstration
- Taiko Drumming
- Japanese Traditional Dance
- Chinese Brush Painting
- Figure Skating Clinic
- Toronto Maple Leaf Mobile Fan Zone
- Toronto Marlies
- Cultural Arts and Crafts
- Scavenger Hunt
- Family Skate
The organizers like to show their commitment to the community. Some of the causes that we have donated to are:
- Cystic Fibrosis Canada
- Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Earthquake Relief
- Canadian Cancer Society
- Parkinson's Society Canada
- Used hockey equipment to charity.