AFTER an outstanding 2009 season, the Hikers Hockey Club is once again looking to give its youngsters a taste of international competition. This time around they will team up with the Old Fort Hockey Club as both clubs look to give their players early exposure to the artificial surface that the international game is now exclusively played on. Hikers became the first local team to feature in the Trinidad and Tobago Easter tournament, when they made their debut last year.

The tournament is open to all clubs and schools within the Caribbean region and is played over a three-day period with Under-13, U-16 and U-21 categories for both boys and girls.

Last year, Hikers placed third in the U-16 category, with their star player Shaquelle Assanah being named MVP of that category. In the U-21 category their two wins and two losses were not enough to get them out of the group stage.

The exposure that these young players received at last year’s tournament was the catalyst for the team’s successful year in which they returned to capture the Noble House Goals Galore Second Division Title. They then went on to play undefeated to take the John Fernandes Insurance Second Division League Title and the GT&T Under-19 National indoor title.

The outstanding youngsters from this team also played key roles in helping their senior team secure the Farfan and Mendes first division league title and the Banks Night Hockey first division title, as well as the Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor title for the fourth time in the past five years.

With the recent increase in airfare to the twin island republic the two clubs are still hoping to raise enough funds to cover the team’s participation in this year’s tournament which runs from March 31 to April 2, at the Trinidad & Tobago National Hockey Centre.

The players have already secured the look to match their silky smooth skills after being outfitted with new kits by Woodpecker Products, while Global Technology continues its invaluable educational partnership with the junior team.

Hikers Hockey Club Junior Team’s complete 2009 results:

* Mr Topper Indoor Tournament – Second Division Runners-up

* Trinidad & Tobago Junior Easter Tournament Under-16 category – 3rd Place (Shaquelle Assanah MVP)

* Noble House Goals Galore Indoor Tournament – Second Division Champions

* Banks Night Hockey Tournament – Second Division Runners-up

* John Fernandes Insurance Second Division League – Champions (played undefeated)

* GT&T National Indoor Championships – Under-19 Champions & Second Division Runners-up