Inline hockey off to a roaring start at coast

THE Swakopmund-based inline hockey club Coastal Pirates hosted its 10th annual business league tournament last weekend, signalling the start of the inline hockey season.

A total of 29 sponsored teams participated and 57 games were played in a fun-filled weekend which saw a lot of drama, tension, stiff competition and an impeccable level of skill and professionalism on the court. Nate Blair, Coastal Pirates coach and head coach for the national team, who will attend the IIHF Inline Hockey World Championships in Germany between May 26 and June 3, was content with the overall performance of the tournament.”This tournament was very nice, it’s friendlier than other tournaments and it gave the opportunity for many young players to play in their first tournament.”Following a round robin format, every age group ranging from under 10 through to the masters slugged it out in their respective groups, providing ample entertainment for the crowds.Unlike the regular tournament layout, games were 20 minutes long, resulting in fast-paced games laden with fiery intensity.With the finals ending in very close scores, there was tension that enveloped the court and off it as well.The final standings for the tournament are as follows: Masters: 1st – Europa Hof, 2nd – Swakopmund Brauhaus Open: 1st – Swakopmund Wynkelders, 2nd – Team Jeep/Hans Lohmeier Men’s Outfitters, 3rd – Zur Weinhaus, 4th – Strike Force, 5th – Windhooked CC, 6th – Annique 18U: 1st – Hill’s Pet Nutrition, 2nd – Supertrade, 3rd – Windhoek Lions, 4th – Namboys 16U: 1st – Namboys, 2nd – Seawork, 3rd – White Hawks, 4th – Dunlop 14U: 1st – Oranje-Hoewe, 2nd – Piranhas, 3rd – Transworld Cargo 12U: 1st – Desert Explorers, 2nd – Optiker Rohloff 10U: 1st – Alternative Space B & B, 2nd – Bay Air Women: 1st – W Meyer Optometrists, 2nd – Prima Schlachterei, 3rd – Napolitana Restaurant, 4th – Promac Paints, 5th – Hotel Deutsches Haus, 6th – Thirdway Consulting.Nate Blair, Coastal Pirates coach and head coach for the national team, who will attend the IIHF Inline Hockey World Championships in Germany between May 26 and June 3, was content with the overall performance of the tournament. “This tournament was very nice, it’s friendlier than other tournaments and it gave the opportunity for many young players to play in their first tournament.”Following a round robin format, every age group ranging from under 10 through to the masters slugged it out in their respective groups, providing ample entertainment for the crowds. Unlike the regular tournament layout, games were 20 minutes long, resulting in fast-paced games laden with fiery intensity. With the finals ending in very close scores, there was tension that enveloped the court and off it as well. The final standings for the tournament are as follows: Masters: 1st – Europa Hof, 2nd – Swakopmund Brauhaus Open: 1st – Swakopmund Wynkelders, 2nd – Team Jeep/Hans Lohmeier Men’s Outfitters, 3rd – Zur Weinhaus, 4th – Strike Force, 5th – Windhooked CC, 6th – Annique 18U: 1st – Hill’s Pet Nutrition, 2nd – Supertrade, 3rd – Windhoek Lions, 4th – Namboys 16U: 1st – Namboys, 2nd – Seawork, 3rd – White Hawks, 4th – Dunlop 14U: 1st – Oranje-Hoewe, 2nd – Piranhas, 3rd – Transworld Cargo 12U: 1st – Desert Explorers, 2nd – Optiker Rohloff 10U: 1st – Alternative Space B & B, 2nd – Bay Air Women: 1st – W Meyer Optometrists, 2nd – Prima Schlachterei, 3rd – Napolitana Restaurant, 4th – Promac Paints, 5th – Hotel Deutsches Haus, 6th – Thirdway Consulting.