Gangneung City, Korea — The 2024 Hockey Together Camp has come to a triumphant close in Gangneung City, Korea, marking a significant milestone in global ice hockey development. Now in its 6th edition, the camp, hosted by the Korean Ice Hockey Association (KIHA), supported by the Official Development Assistance (ODA) program of the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Pyeongchang Legacy Foundation, continues to set a high standard for education and collaboration within the sport.

Held from August 8 to 15, this year's camp brought together 90 Korean U15 players, 38 Learn to Play (LTP) participants, and 37 dedicated coaches from 22 IIHF Member National Association (MNA) countries. Notably, the event saw a blend of returning participants from nations such as Ukraine, Serbia, Malaysia, and India, alongside new attendees from the UAE, Kuwait, Philippines, Hong Kong, and Chinese Taipei.

Elevating Hockey Education to New Heights

The 2024 camp saw significant enhancements, including an increase in ice practices and games, offering players and coaches more hands-on experience than ever before. This year's camp took full advantage of the Gangneung Hockey Center—a legacy of the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Winter Games—which has become a pivotal hub for hockey development. Coaches were organized into four teams, where they honed their skills in managing practice sessions and games, all under the guidance of some of the sport's most respected mentors.

While Kevin McLaughlin, former USA Hockey and IIHF Instructor, was playing a crucial role, contributing with      his extensive experience to the camp's success, the camp's educational program benefited from      the leadership of distinguished instructors, including Jay Varady, Assistant Coach of the Detroit Red Wings, and Dave Caruso, Program Director of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

"This camp holds special significance for our association as it continues to offer exceptional educational programs to IIHF MNAs. The efforts of our mentor team are commendable, and our organizing staff ensured seamless execution across all programs,” said Kwangeun Choi, Chief Camp Manager, reflecting on the smooth operation and impact of the event.

A Unique Blend of Learning and Practice

Aku Nieminen, Director of Camp and Ice Hockey Head of Vierumaki Sports Institute in Finland, highlighted the practical nature of this year's camp, which is fundamental to adult learning. "This has been fantastic," Nieminen remarked. “The participants were provided with theoretical knowledge daily, which they then applied in an authentic working environment—coaching the players. This year’s edition was unique, with coaches analyzing their games using modern tools, contributing to an unparalleled learning experience."

Nieminen also extended his gratitude to the Korean Ice Hockey Association, the Ministry for Sport, and the Pyeongchang Legacy Foundation for their unwavering support. "I really want to thank the Korean Ice Hockey Association, Ministry for Sport, and the Pyeongchang Legacy Foundation for providing us, 22 nations in total, the opportunity to develop our game even further. The camp has, again, been organized at an extremely high level, which provides us with an environment where education and development can optimally happen. The hospitality has been outstanding, and I want to thank Kwangeun Choi and his team for taking such good care of us."

Fostering a Global Ice Hockey Community

The camp’s success is also attributed to the relentless efforts of its participants and mentors, who dedicated long hours to ensure the event's success. "Our excellent mentors delivered top-notch education, and the participants worked tirelessly throughout the camp. Without this collective effort, the camp would not have been so successful," Nieminen added.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the camp was the sense of community it fostered among participants. "The participants have made new friends and extended their network, forming a community of practice that will endure even after they return home. While there is a lot of diversity in the camp, we all have one thing in common that unites us, and that is our game. That is Hockey Together."

Looking Ahead

As the 2024 Hockey Together Camp concludes, the legacy of this event will continue to resonate across ice rinks and in the hearts of all those involved. The addition of a tournament this year, encompassing players, coaches, LTP participants, and hobby hockey players, added a new dimension to the camp, showcasing the progress and skills honed throughout the week.

Plans for the 2025 Hockey Together Camp are already underway, with the Gangneung Hockey Center confirmed as the venue once again. The commitment to fostering growth and passion for ice hockey remains unwavering, promising an even more impactful event next year.