Local lads all set for Vegas ice hockey tournament

The Northern Ireland Tridents ice hockey team are based at the ice bowl in Dundonald, but eleven of the squad are from the Coleraine area.

After playing American side the Las Vegas Guns and Hoses Foundation at last year’s World Police and Fire games, the local lads were invited to play at their annual tournament.

Club Secretary, Chris Darragh explained: “We became friends with the players thanks to the World Police and Fire Games last summer.

“We then got an invite to join them at this tournament in October.

“The teams entering will be from fire or police departments from across America. We are really pleased to be the only team from the United Kingdom invited to the tournament.”

The locals all began playing the sport of ice hockey at the Jet Centre back in the nineties, the same ice rink that Olympic skater Jenna McCorkell took her first steps onto the ice.

They come together every week to train at Dundunald Ice Bowl.

“The team was originally set up for police, fire or prison officers, but now the team is pretty much 50/50,” told Chris. It’s a great sport and we all get a great buzz from it.”

The team have raised almost £2,000 for their trip so far through a golf day and a few other fundraisers.

The locals, pictured in their new kit, who will be making the trip are Ivan Troy, Ernie Freeman, Beni McAllister, Chris Darragh (captain), Alan Troy, Martin Darragh. Warren Murphy, Trevor Martin and Bill Doherty.

The Las Vegas Guns and Hoses Hockey Club is a Non-Profit Organization comprised of Las Vegas Valley Police, and Fire Department members.