“It’s tiiiiime!” » (it’s time, in French). Not yet that of the French championship matches, but already a clamor will arise from ice hockey enthusiasts. From this Friday, June 28 in the morning and until Sunday, June 30 in the afternoon, they will meet at the La Barre ice rink (which reopens its doors to the public on Monday, July 1) for the kick-off of the Euskadi Cup.
This summer tournament is a must in France, with teams competing in two categories: Pro and Old Stars (at least 37 years old, holder of a license). The ice rink will welcome, on its new, freshly resurfaced ice, a total of 23 teams made up of seven to 10 players, whether they are active at Hormadi, former glories of the club or even internationals, French, Finnish, Canadian, Swiss or Russian.
The President’s Surprise
There we find some young people trained in Anglet like Hugo Baron, Théo Frémond, Baptiste Manciot, regulars of the place, like Thomas Decock, Samuel Rousseau or Mathieu Cyr, who will challenge the coach Stéphane Barin, while Olivier Bouney , just installed in his new role as president, intends to surprise his people.
The Kamarad hockey team is among the favorites for the title, since it counts in its ranks the formidable attackers Bryan Ten Braak, Alexey Polodyan and Nikita Jevpalovs, still active at the Boxers de Bordeaux. Beyond the challenge of these meetings without downtime, the association of former Hormadi players strives to perpetuate this event combining quality with fun.
Humor and determination
The atmosphere promises to be wild, as the names of the teams suggest, like the Aplélésecours or the Columbus Blues Trompettes, who do not intend to be just extras. “The Euskadi Cup has been organising several highlights for seven years. After the Pro and Old Stars tournament, there will be the Euskadi Cup Camp, from 22 July to 2 August, and the children’s tournament scheduled for 27 and 28 October. It’s an opportunity to have a good time, see some great play, top-level players and raise funds for the young people of Anglet Hormadi amateur,” explains Mathieu Pons, one of the organisers.
In 2023, the sum of 25,000 euros was collected and everyone hopes to do even better this year. “All this was made possible thanks to the support of many partners, local businesses, the media, etc.”, says Mathieu Pons.
At the same time, the former Hormadi defender did everything to allow the volunteers of the Duck Race 64 in Cambo to set up a stand near the ice rink. In return, the hockey players are invited on Sunday July 7 to Cambo-les-Bains. For the first time, ice hockey will be in the spotlight during this astonishing race of small plastic ducks on the Nive.
Practical
Friday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with broadcast of the French rugby championship final; Saturday, June 29, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free admission. For more information: euskadicup.fr
