Trinity Western Faces Off in Slovakia

The Trinity Western University Titans travelled to Slovakia from February 21^st to March 3^rd to play hockey and work with Athletes in Action. The Titans played five games on the trip, finishing with a 2-2-1 record. TWU recorded wins against Lucenec (6-3) and Levince (7-4), losses against Bratislava Sport University (4-2) and Brezno (10-0) and a tie with Ziar N.H.

 Nate Higgins from Wayne State of the NCAA and Josh MacKnee led the TWU scoring with 6 goals apiece. All the Slovakian teams were from the nation’s Division II League and were stocked with many junior and semi-pro players. The teams were highly skilled and boasted excellent skating and puck handling, but did not prefer the Canadian style of body checking. The officiating was fair and accepting of the “Canadian style of play” except in the blow-out loss where the referee gave penalties for hitting.

The Titans did not adjust to this adversity well but following this loss did some personal and team soul-searching and reclaimed the purpose for the trip—integrating faith with hockey and helping AIA Slovakia make connections with Slovak hockey players. We won the next two games and discovered great team spirit. After the games the Titans hosted the other team at a restaurant and Titan players shared their story of faith and spirituality. The Titan players also helped three churches with their youth group ministries, helped teach English in three different middle and high schools, led worship at two different churches (with 30 members and 500 members), played floor hockey and other sports with different groups, and shared how God was involved in their lives.

The team also toured Vienna, visited castles and historical site, and made a quick trip into Hungary to visit Esztergom Bascilica, the third largest church in Europe which has been built and rebuilt over the last 1,000 years.

Highlights of the trip included:

• John Higgins winning the fastest skater competition.
• Riding the Barnabus with Barney, our fearless bus driver.
• Listening to Brett and Josh play guitar and sing.
• Being exposed to Eastern European culture and a friendly welcome.
• Watching Jim MacKnee, our hockey official, fall on his butt during a game.
• Outhitting our more highly-skilled opponents.
• Listening to how the trip changed guys and gave them new perspective.
• Praying and eating with players from other teams.
• Eating deep fried battered chicken and fried potatoes every day for Lunch.