A five-day youth camp staged by the Jamaica Ice Hockey Federation and Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) opened on Monday at the National Stadium in St Andrew.

The camp is the first of its kind in Jamaica and is part of the mandate from the International Ice Hockey Federation to start and build the local programme which is targeting youth — both male and female — from ages 10 and 15.

Approximately 35 youths are attending the camp which is being led by two accredited ice hockey coaches from the federation — Ted Cheesebrough and E J Phillips. They are being assisted by local floor hockey Coach Wayne Roberts.

Cheesebrough was able to bring a considerable amount of gear, including sticks and gloves, which were donated by clubs in the United States when they learnt he was heading to Jamaica to run the camp.

This week the Jamaica Ice Hockey Federation also received a supply of gear from the National Hockey League (NHL) Players’ Association to assist in the development of the local programme. The NHL is the most highly acclaimed ice hockey competition in the world.

Jamaica Ice Hockey Federation President Don Anderson said the supply of gear was in recognition of the success so far of the Jamaica team in the three tournaments it has played in the United States and Canada.

The Jamaicans won all three tournaments and there is growing awareness among hockey interests of the potential for Jamaica’s participation in international tournaments.