The Imjin Hockey Classic: Canadian Army competes in 63-year Hockey Rivalry
News Release
November 4, 2016 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Tomorrow, the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and the Royal 22e Régiment will compete in the 4th annual Imjin Classic hockey game at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. This game, co-hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Canadian Army, is in honour of Canadians who served in the Korean War and played Canada’s favorite winter sport on the frozen Imjin River while taking part in combat operations in Korea. The public and Canadian Armed Forces personnel alike are invited to attend this annual game and witness the friendly rivalry between these two Canadian Army infantry regiments.
This annual game commemorates the strong relationship between Canada and Korea. The Imjin Hockey Classic is held to convey sincere gratitude to the Korean War Veterans in Canada. The winner of the match will lift a special trophy reminiscent of a Korean ‘incense burner’ which signifies remembrance and commemoration of Korean War Veterans.
Quotes
“I am pleased to be a part of such a special event that commemorates Canada’s brave soldiers and the sacrifices they made serving in the Korean War over 60 years ago. It is important we remember their service and the lasting legacy they have left with Korea through a shared love of hockey.”
— Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
“It is an honour to once again co-host the Imjin Classic hockey game. We are grateful for the role the Canadian Army played in the Korean War and to the relationship between our two countries that it fostered. This event not only lets us commemorate the past but it also continues to strengthen the ties between Korea and Canada for the future.”
— Daeshik Jo, Ambassador, Republic of Korea to Canada
““The annual Imjin Hockey Classic pays tribute to our close relationship with South Korea and the contributions our veterans made during the Korean War. It also allows the public and members of the Canadian Armed Forces to partake in a significant moment in Canadian history. In the spirit of camaraderie and unity, Soldiers from two famous Regiments of the Canadian Army, the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and the Royal 22e Régiment, played an ice hockey game over 60 years ago that spurred the popularity and enjoyment of hockey in Korea and Asia today.”
— Major-General J.C.G. Juneau, Deputy Commander Canadian Army
Quick Facts
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The 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade held its hockey championship finals on the Imjin River that flows from North to South Korea during the Korean War in 1953.
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In 1998, Canadians living in Seoul began a hockey tournament, the Imjin River Memorial Cup, in honour of Canadians who brought their love of hockey to Korea and Asia.
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On January 8, 2012, The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, announced that 2013 will mark the Year of the Korean War Veteran. In 2013, the first annual Imjin Classic hockey game was held in Ottawa to mark the 60th anniversary of the Korean War armistice.
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Associated Links
Imjin Hockey Classic 2015 re-enacts historic Korean War hockey match
Canadian Army Links
- Canadian Army website
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- Canadian Army Flickr
Contacts
Captain Tyrone Grande
Public Affairs Officer
Directorate Army Public Affairs
Phone: 613-971-8002
Email: Tyrone.Grande@forces.gc.ca
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