For Canadians living in Hong Kong, staying active through familiar sports can be a great way to connect with fellow expats and maintain a piece of home. Ice hockey and field hockey are both well-established in the city, with leagues and clubs catering to all ages and skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned player or a newcomer looking to try a new sport, Hong Kong offers a surprising range of opportunities. This guide covers the main leagues, facilities, equipment sources, and community groups for both ice and field hockey.
Ice Hockey in Hong Kong
Despite the subtropical climate, Hong Kong has a vibrant ice hockey scene thanks to several indoor ice rinks. The sport is governed by the Hong Kong Ice Hockey Association (HKIHA), which oversees adult and youth leagues. Canadian players will find a familiar structure with competitive and recreational divisions.
Major Ice Rinks
- Mega Ice at MegaBox in Kowloon Bay: The largest rink in Hong Kong (60m x 30m), hosting the Mega Ice Hockey League (MIHL). It also offers public skating and training programs.
- Glacier at The Rink in Elements, West Kowloon: A regulation-size rink (56m x 26m) that hosts the Hong Kong Ice Hockey League (HKIHL) and youth programs.
- Cityplaza Ice Palace in Taikoo Shing: A smaller rink (44m x 22m) popular for recreational skating and hockey training.
Leagues and Divisions
The main adult leagues are the Mega Ice Hockey League (MIHL) and the Hong Kong Ice Hockey League (HKIHL). Both feature multiple divisions based on skill level, from beginner to advanced. Seasons typically run from September to March, with playoffs in April. Games are usually played on weekends.
- MIHL: 8 teams across 2 divisions (Division 1 and Division 2). Fees: approximately HK$8,000-12,000 per season per player, including ice time and referees.
- HKIHL: 10 teams in 3 divisions. Fees: around HK$6,000-10,000 per season.
Both leagues welcome international players, and many teams have a mix of Canadians, Americans, Europeans, and locals. Canadians can join as free agents or contact teams directly. The HKIHA also organizes an annual Hong Kong Ice Hockey Festival in August, which includes a recreational tournament for expats.
Youth and Junior Hockey
The Hong Kong Junior Ice Hockey League (HKJIHL) offers programs for children aged 4-18. It is divided into age groups: U8, U10, U12, U15, and U18. Canadian families will find these programs similar to minor hockey in Canada. Season fees for juniors range from HK$5,000 to HK$8,000, which includes weekly practices and games. Many Canadian children participate, and the league often sends teams to regional tournaments in Asia.
Equipment and Pro Shops
Bringing your own equipment from Canada is advisable if possible, as selection in Hong Kong is limited and prices are higher. However, you can find gear at:
- Mega Ice Pro Shop at MegaBox: Sells Bauer, CCM, and Warrior equipment. Prices roughly 20-30% higher than in Canada.
- Glacier Pro Shop at Elements: Similar brands and pricing.
- Play Hard Sports in Wan Chai: A general sports store that stocks some hockey gear.
Used equipment is available through Facebook groups like Hong Kong Hockey Buy/Sell/Trade and the Canadian Club of Hong Kong forums. Many Canadians also ship gear via Canada Post or freight forwarders like BuyandShip.
Field Hockey in Hong Kong
Field hockey has a strong following in Hong Kong, with a long history dating back to British colonial times. The sport is governed by the Hong Kong Hockey Association (HKHA), which runs leagues for men, women, and mixed teams. The climate allows for year-round play on artificial turf pitches.
Main Pitches and Clubs
Most matches are held at public sports centres with astroturf pitches. Key venues include:
- King's Park Hockey Ground in Ho Man Tin: Two international-standard pitches, home to several clubs.
- Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley: Has a hockey pitch used by its own club teams.
- Shek Kip Mei Park Sports Centre in Sham Shui Po: A popular pitch for league matches.
Major clubs with strong Canadian contingents include:
- Hong Kong Football Club Hockey Section: One of the largest clubs, with men's, women's, and junior teams. Annual membership: HK$3,000-5,000 plus league fees.
- Valley Hockey Club: Based at Happy Valley, offers competitive and social hockey. Fees around HK$2,000-4,000 per season.
- Kowloon Cricket Club (KCC) Hockey: Has men's and women's teams playing in the HKHA leagues.
League Structure
The HKHA operates multiple divisions for men (Premier, Division 1, 2, 3) and women (Premier, Division 1, 2). The season runs from September to May, with a break in December and January. Matches are typically on Saturdays. League fees for individuals range from HK$1,500 to HK$3,000 per season, depending on the club and division. There is also a popular Mixed League on Sunday afternoons, which is very social and welcoming to newcomers.
Junior and Youth Field Hockey
The Hong Kong Hockey Association's Youth Development Program offers coaching for children aged 6-16. Many clubs also run junior sections. The Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation organizes inter-school competitions, which Canadian children attending local or international schools can join. For Canadian families, the Canadian International School of Hong Kong and other Canadian schools in Hong Kong often have field hockey teams.
Equipment and Shopping
Field hockey equipment is easier to find than ice hockey gear. Major sports retailers like Decathlon (multiple locations) stock basic sticks, shin guards, and balls. For higher-end sticks (e.g., Grays, STX, Osaka), visit Hockey Asia in Causeway Bay or Sportshouse in Tsim Sha Tsui. Prices are comparable to Canada. Many Canadians bring their own sticks and protective gear.
Community and Social Aspects
Both ice and field hockey in Hong Kong offer strong social communities. Canadians often find camaraderie through shared sporting experiences. The Canadian Club of Hong Kong occasionally organizes hockey viewing parties for NHL games or international tournaments. Additionally, the online communities like the Canadians in Hong Kong Facebook group are active with posts about finding teams or selling equipment.
Tournaments and Events
Annual events include the Hong Kong Hockey 6s (field hockey) in April, a popular mixed tournament with teams from across Asia. For ice hockey, the Hong Kong Ice Hockey Festival in August features a recreational division that many expats join. There is also the Asia League Ice Hockey (professional), but participation is limited to elite players.
Costs and Practical Tips
Overall, playing hockey in Hong Kong is more expensive than in Canada due to higher ice time costs and import duties on equipment. Here is a rough annual cost breakdown for an adult player:
- Ice hockey league fees: HK$8,000-12,000
- Ice hockey equipment (if buying new): HK$5,000-15,000
- Field hockey club membership: HK$2,000-5,000
- Field hockey league fees: HK$1,500-3,000
- Field hockey stick: HK$500-2,000
To save money, consider joining a team as a free agent to split costs, or buy used gear. Many rinks offer stick and puck sessions for HK$100-150 per hour. For field hockey, some clubs offer pay-per-play options for casual players.
Getting Started
For Canadians new to Hong Kong, the best approach is to reach out directly to the leagues or clubs. Contact information is available on the HKIHA and HKHA websites. You can also visit rinks or pitches during game times to introduce yourself. Many teams are eager to recruit Canadian players for their skill and experience. If you are a beginner, both sports offer learn-to-play programs: ice hockey at Mega Ice (adult beginner classes, HK$200 per session) and field hockey through HKFC's Hockey Academy (HK$150 per session).
Finally, ensure you are properly registered with the Canadian consulate for emergency updates, as outlined in our guide on how to register with the consulate. For more on settling in, see The Complete Guide to Living in Hong Kong as a Canadian.
Related Articles
- The Complete Guide to Living in Hong Kong as a Canadian
- Canadian Clubs and Organizations in Hong Kong
- Canadian Schools in Hong Kong
- Online Communities for Canadians in Hong Kong
- How to Register with the Canadian Consulate in Hong Kong