By Nick Jovanovich
The Rye Rangers traveled to Iceland in October 2017 and played in a tournament called the Arctic Cup as well as toured national parks, swam in geothermal water (Blue lagoon). Iceland crossed the pond Nov 2018, the Bjorninn Hockey Club from Reykjavik traveled to NY. They spent 2 days touring NYC including seeing their first NHL game. A thrill for these kids who hail from a country with only 300,000 people.
?The goal of this cross cultural hockey event was for the Icelandic players to stay with host families and forge relationships that go beyond the sport they love.? Ten Rye families opened? up their homes and one hosted a party for both players and parents.? Always gracious, the Icelandic parents presented a gift to each family who hosted. As Americans we take for granted the easy access of goods and services. The Icelanders loaded up on equipment at local hockey stores as Iceland does not have these outlets. Players can either travel to Sweden or buy online at a premium.
?This was a huge success and anticipate it becoming a major highlight of Rye Rangers hockey program for years to come.
