For the first time in its history, the Imjin Classic Commemorative Hockey Game was hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of South Korea at the TD Place Arena, home of the Ottawa 67s. The game commemorates the game played between the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) and the Royal 22e Régiment (R22eR) in 1952 on the Imjin River in Korea during the Korean War. Mr. Claude Charland, one of the players in the original 1952 game, was included as part of the official party.
The game was a well skated affair and close for the most part with the first goal not being scored until around the 16:35 mark of the second period by the R22eR. The game stayed close until #11 for the R22eR put in the second goal around 3:20 in the third. The PPCLI were not able to come back leaving the 2-0 victory for the R22eR.
There were mascots aplenty with Juno from the Canadian Army and Soohorang, mascot of the 2018 Seoul Winter Olympics and Bandabi, mascot of the 2018 Winter Paralympics. Juno was seen going through the crowd between periods handing out commemorative hockey pucks while the other two managed to get out on the ice for the opening ceremonies and the trophy presentation. There was a moment of levity as the two Korean mascots had trouble getting out onto the ice as their heads were too large to get through the players gate to the ice. With some turning and twisting, they eventually made it out and afterwards did a little dance on the way back in.
The reception was also held in TD Place and was well attended as players, veterans, and family all filled up on pizza and wings.
To see all the pictures, CLICK HERE
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