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Show Wed/Thurs/Fri, January 16-18, 2019 B-7 The Park Record Vail hockey players witness Beijing’s investment in sport as Olympics loom China has invested in getting more on the rink JOHN LACONTE Vail Daily VAIL, Colo. – The Vail International Hockey program visited China from Dec. 18 to Jan. 3, witnessing the impressive charge the country has made to grow the game of hockey in the city of Beijing. Just six years ago, Beijing had six hockey rinks. There is now 30 rinks as the city prepares to host the 2022 Winter Olympics. Vail International Hockey was founded by longtime Eagle County local Merv Lapin in 1985. Lapin first visited China in 1977 and has continued to visit the country both on his own and with Vail International Hockey. Lapin himself has visited China more than 50 times. Every three years, Vail International Hockey embarks on a cultural tour abroad; many of those trips have been to China. Providing a global prospective, assistance in creating culturally sensitive Americans and sharing in the love of the sport of hockey is the organization’s mission. Vail International Hockey Director Eric Eves said the organization is confident that China’s new interest in hockey will change the sport. “China as a whole is changing rapidly and we have been blown away by the progress since our last visit,” Eves said. “The Chinese government is putting a great amount of resources into hockey development in anticipation of the 2022 Olympics, hiring Wayne Gretzky as its global ambassador and bringing NHL games to China.” Vail International Hockey brought 36 people to China this year — two teams of players 13-17 years old, 15 adult chaperones, a doctor and three coaches. The group traveled through six cities, where they played USA Hockey-sanctioned exhibition games, participated in training sessions and learned about Chinese history and local culture. “Once we all got on the ice and started playing all the differences between people went away,” said 13-year-old Keegan Collins. “It didn’t matter if we were American or Chinese — we were all just one people playing hockey.” Eves described the trip as a true jet setting adventure. “The teams have played games in Shanghai, Harbin, Jilin and Beijing, China,” he said. “Cultural highlights have included a visit to the 120th floor of the Shanghai Tower, a night cruise on the Huangpu River to view the impressive lit up skyscrapers in Pudong, a all day river cruise on the Li River, a visit to the terracotta warriors in Xi’an, a -20 below visit to the world famous Harbin Ice festival, a hike on the Great Wall of China and tours to Tiananmen Square, the temple of heaven and the forbidden city in Beijing.” The group visited eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and enjoyed many cultural experiences along the way. “One highlight for me has been the meals,” said coach Robbie Giardino. “We have enjoyed Peking duck, Szechwan specialties, table side noddle shows, Mongolian BBQ, dumpling making classes and multiple hot pot banquets. Everyone has become an expert in using chopsticks.” All in all, the group took a total of 10 flights, two boat trips and a high-speed train ride; they then traveled by bus within the six cities they visited. “A good attitude, an open mind and comfortable shoes have been a must,” said parent Emily Large. Eves said in seeing first hand China’s recent technological advancements — especially in high speed trains, electric vehicles and renewable energy — it was obvious that China will continue to influence the world in the years to come. “The living standard in China has greatly increased, Wi-Fi everywhere, everyone on smart phones, clean bathrooms and an impressive amount of wealth,” Eves said. “Our up close interaction with the Chinese life in six very different cities left us certain we must embrace the Chinese and work together in trade, avoid political confrontation and collaborate as top global influencers.” Peter Janes, the team’s doctor said he has enjoyed watching China evolve over his many trips there with Vail International Hockey. “They’ve went from bicycles to motorcycles to cars to BMWs, Mercedes and Range Rovers,” Janes said. “Their airports make DIA look like Fargo International, and their trains travel at 190 miles per hour,” Janes added. “We need to be mindful and embrace the changes, most of which the USA does not have a clue about, actually.” Vail International Hockey founder Merv Lapin has long maintained the belief that China will be the most important country in Americans’ futures. Eves said Vail International Hockey enjoyed an especially warm reception in Jilin — a industrial city to the north of North Korea — where Lapin coached hockey for three years in the ‘80s. Lapin also brought the Jilin team to Vail for the International Hockey Tournament in the early ‘90s. “The players, chaperones and coaches were treated like VIPs while in Jilin,” Eves said. “It was amazing to practice and play in a modern and large NHL-style arena that was built within the last two years.” Lapin said once again the group fulfilled the vision of why Vail International Hockey was created. “It’s been one amazing journey and all should be proud of how these young hockey players have shared the game, shown respect, gratitude and excitement with the Chinese players,” Lapin said. est. 1990 2018 Committed To NARI TROTTER STEFANIE BOWEN (435) 649-8322 theteam@parkcitytitle.com 1670 Bonanza Drive • Park Record Building Some of the petS at NuzzleS & Co. lookiNg for love These animals are available to be seen at the Nuzzles & Co. Adoption Center and Rescue Ranch. Our Adoption Center is open Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located in the Tanger Outlets in Kimball Junction. Our Rescue Ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sunday. The Rescue Ranch is located at 6466 N. Highview Road in Peoa. Biscuit Katie Maximus Parker Biscuit is a 2-year-old cattle dog mix. He is an energetic guy who is always moving! He’s an active guy who would learn quickly with a bit of training. He loves to walk and run, so he would make a great outdoors partner. Biscuit does well with other animals, too! Meet Katie, a 1-year-old cattle dog mix. This adorable girl is sweet but also a bit shy. Katie could do well in a home with another dog if given a proper introduction. She is looking for a loving and patient home to give her the confidence she needs to shine. Maximus is a 10-year-old terrier mix. This senior gentleman is shy and timid but does well around cats and other small dogs. Once he bonds with you, he loves to be held and snuggled. Maximus needs a peaceful and loving home and will be a loyal friend! This energetic boy is Parker, a 3-year-old Lab mix! He is a bundle of love and energy. Parker does well around cats and other dogs. He loves to play and loves attention! Parker will be a great running or hiking partner because he will need lots of exercise! Flower Scout Sissy Sophia Flower is a 9-month-old brown tabby Domestic Shorthair. He is a shy little guy, but we know that with a little time and TLC, his personality will blossom! Flower is sure to be a loving and loyal companion to his forever family for years to come. Meet Scout, a 5-year-old, black and white Domestic Shorthair! This handsome kitty came to Nuzzles from a local shelter. We don’t know much about his past, but we do know he’s very social and loves to be around people. He would do well in a home with other animals and older children. Sissy is a sweet and mellow Domestic Shorthair with a brown tabby coat. She’s about 8 years old. Sissy is a bit shy at first but does enjoy the company of humans that she feels comfortable around. She would be happy in a relaxed and peaceful forever home. Sophia is a charismatic 5-yearold Lynx Point Siamese. She is curious, outgoing, and loves to spend time with people. Sophia is a sophisticated lady who would love to spend her days curled up on the lap of her favorite person or lounging near a sunny window. Real People Real Stories Real Life SUBSCRIBE TODAY! WaNted: voluNteerS These Organizations are looking for volunteers. If you would like to include your group in this section, please email information to copyeditor@parkrecord.com. Please limit your entry to no more than 75 words Summit Community Power Works Summit Community Power Works, a local nonprofit focused on energy efficiency, is looking for volunteers to staff outreach events such as the Silly Sunday Market. This is a great opportunity to take part in a community-wide initiative, be a catalyst for positive change, and leave a positive legacy. Volunteers must enjoy interpersonal communication and be willing to learn about SCPW’s goals and initiatives. If interested, please contact Erin Bragg at erin.bragg@scpw.org. Summit Land Conservancy Summit Land Conservancy is an environmental nonprofit working to permanently protect the beloved open spaces in Summit County. You can see the results of the group’s work when you walk your dog in Round Valley, enjoy the Mid Mountain Trail or fly fish on the Weber River. Volunteers are needed to assist with bi-weekly recycling and join the Adopt an Easement program. To stay in the loop with other upcoming volunteer opportunities, sign up for the newsletter at wesaveland.org/get-involved/stay-informed/. For more information on current opportunities contact caitlyn@wesaveland.org. Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter Do you love nature? Volunteers are a vital part of our mission at Swaner as we strive to preserve the land, educate the community about the value of nature and nurture both the ecosystem and our human connection to the natural landscape. Our volunteers assist with many aspects of the operation, including conservation and garden projects, kids programs and staff support. For more information please contact Rhea Cone, Volunteer Coordinator, at rhea. cone@usu.edu or 435-797-8956. The Utah 1033 Foundation The Utah 1033 Foundation is a statewide nonprofit that provides immediate financial assistance to families of fallen Utah police officers and educational assistance for the dependents of active officers. The foundation is looking for dedicated volunteers interested in staffing various events throughout the year and/or working with its fundraising team. Interested? Send an email to info@utah1033. org. Volunteer Drivers Wanted Summit County is looking for volunteers to drive senior citizens to their doctor appointments in Salt Lake City. Any interested individuals would need to go through background and driving-record checks and should expect to dedicate four to six hours on Tuesdays. Individuals interested in volunteering as well as any seniors interested in using the service should contact Heather Nalette, Summit County senior citizens coordinator, at 435-336-3014. For a full list of volunteer opportunities, visit parkrecord.com/volunteers CONTACT OUR CIRCULATION OFFICE: 435.649.9014 circulation@ParkRecord.com |