Hungary Relegated to Division I, Belgium relegated to Division III and Australia remains in Division II.

NJT-2005 UPDATE-4

The NJT-2005 played Korea late yesterday with the Aussies playing one of their best periods of the tournament as they matched the Koreans all the way with scoring chances at both ends of the rink in the first period. The Koreans scored the only goal of the period as Aussie goaltender Kyle Green was able to come up with some outstanding saves.

In the second period the Koreans stepped up the tempo and totally dominated play in every area. They scored 7 unanswered goals to stretch the lead to 8-0.

In the third, the Aussies improved their play, but could not get one pass the Korean goaltender. The Aussies gave up 3 more goals for a final score of 11-0.

With Spain beating Belgium 6-2 , the final game today between Belgium and Australia will determine who will remain in Division 2. General manager, Ross Noga stated: - "I am positive that the boys will rise to the occasion as some of these players could possibly be playing there final game in an Australian jersey."

Best player for the Aussies was awarded to Thomas Powell.

NJT-2005 UPDATE-3

The NJT-2005 played Spain last night in front of a very vocal home crowd and again found themselves down 2-0 early in the game due to some mental lapses.

The Aussies totally dominated the second period was able to get a goal back early in the period, but were unable to get the equalizer. A huge goal with 2 seconds left in the second period allowed Spain to regain their 2 goal lead which totally deflated the Aussies.

Early in the third, Spain increased the lead to 4-1 but the Aussies never quit as they continued to attack at every opportunity. The Spanish goaltender slammed the door until 10 seconds left in the game when the Aussies finally scored. The final score was Spain-4 and Australia-2 with both Aussie goals coming from Scott Stephenson and Casey Minson who was selected as the Aussies Player of the Game.

This was a great loss to the team as they attempt to secure their first win. Their day-off could not have come at a better time as they rest for their final two games against Korea and Belgium. The team enjoyed a relaxing day shopping in neighbouring Andorra which allowed them plenty of time to re-focus in preparation for their final 2 games as it is critical to win at least one game to remain in Division 2.

The Aussies play Korea at 5 pm Saturday and finishes off playing Belgium at 5 pm on Sunday. The IIHF WebPages (www.iihf.com) is updated regularly with scores from the championships.

NJT-2005 UPDATE-2

The NJT has now played 2 games in the IIHF U20 Division 2 World Championships in the small town of Puigcerda, Spain, which is surrounded by beautiful snow capped mountains.

In the first game the Australians had penalty problems and consequently Hungary took advantage of these to score 8 power play goals. This made it extremely difficult for the players to get into the game. The Australians matched the Hungarians at equal strength but were not able to get any rhythm going and Hungary skated away to a 14-4 win. Goal scorers for the NJT-2005 were Sean Jones with 2, with singles to Casey Minson and Chris Drake. John Lavery was selected as the Aussies Player of the game for Australia.

Day 2 had the Australians hungry and determined against Croatia. Unfortunately the Aussies were down 4-1 after the first period. Australia dominated the second period, and if not for some missed goal scoring opportunities they could have taken control of the game as they managed to outscore Croatia 3-2 in the 2nd period.

At the start of the third period Croatia scored early, but some late flurries saw both teams score in what turned out to be a great game with a final score 8-5 in favour of Croatia. Goal scorers were Steve Edwards, Warren Jayawardene and Scott Stephenson on the power play with a shorthanded goal from Peter Matus and John Lavery. Player of the game for the Aussies was Scott Stephenson.

The team plays Spain at 9 PM Thursday night. This game may determine who will remain in Division 2 and who is relegated to Division-3.

The Aussies will enjoy their last day-off with atrip to neighbouring Andorra for a shopping and picnic excursion.

For regular updates on scores and stats see the IIHF Website at www.iihf.com.

NJT-2005 UPDATE-1

The NJT has now played 2 games in the IIHF U20 Division 2 World Championships in the small town of Puigcerda, Spain, which is surrounded by beautiful snow capped mountains.

In the first game the Australians had penalty problems and consequently Hungary took advantage of these to score 8 power play goals. This made it extremely difficult for the players to get into the game. The Australians matched the Hungarians at equal strength but were not able to get any rhythm going and Hungary skated away to a 14-4 win. Goal scorers for the NJT-2005 were Sean Jones with 2, with singles to Casey Minson and Chris Drake. John Lavery was selected as the Aussies Player of the game for Australia.

Day 2 had the Australians hungry and determined against Croatia. Unfortunately the Aussies were down 4-1 after the first period. Australia dominated the second period, and if not for some missed goal scoring opportunities they could have taken control of the game as they managed to outscore Croatia 3-2 in the 2nd period.

At the start of the third period Croatia scored early, but some late flurries saw both teams score in what turned out to be a great game with a final score 8-5 in favour of Croatia. Goal scorers were Steve Edwards, Warren Jayawardene and Scott Stephenson on the power play with a shorthanded goal from Peter Matus and John Lavery. Player of the game for the Aussies was Scott Stephenson.

The team plays Spain at 9 PM Thursday night. This game may determine who will remain in Division 2 and who is relegated to Division-3.

The Aussies will enjoy their last day-off with atrip to neighbouring Andorra for a shopping and picnic excursion.

Training Camp Update 3

The NJT is now four hours from departing from Osoyoos after a very successful training camp and is now preparing for the Division 2 World U20 Championships in Puigcerda, Spain. The community and Town of Osoyoos have been very supportive of the Aussie team and wish the team their very best at the Worlds.

The team's last game on Wednesday against Kelowna Major Midget Triple A team at the old Memorial rink in downtown Kelowna.

After the game the team travelled across the road to see the Kelowna Rockets take on the Vancouver Giants in the WHL and a come from behind 4-3 win. The game was a fast and exciting experience for the team.

The Aussies held an optional skate this morning and a final training session this afternoon. The evening has been spent packing and saying goodbye and extending their appreciation to the Osoyoos people who assisted the team during their stay in Osoyoos, in particular Mr. Barry Dewar of the Osoyoos Storm.

The team will travel by bus to Vancouver from where they will fly some 10 hours to Frankfurt, Germany and arrive 24 hrs later in Barcelona, Spain. They will then complete the journey with a bus trip to Puigcerda their home for the next week.

Watch for future updates and the NJT's progress at the Worlds on the IIHF and IHA websites.

Training Camp Update 2

The National Junior Team has now been in Osoyoos for almost one week. The team travelled to Penticton and watched a very exciting Junior A game between Penticton Vees and the Alberni Bulldogs. The game was very close and after 5 minutes of sudden death they played 3 on 3 which was a first for most of our team to see including myself. Alberni trailed until less than 5 minutes to go when they tied the game sending it into overtime with the 1,500 spectators enjoying every last minute with the game ending 1-1.

After arriving back into Osoyoos around midnight we were informed that our early game in Oliver had been cancelled due to sickness and injuries. This enabled the team to have some rest before taking on Osoyoos on Saturday night, the game started out a bit sloppy with Australia scoring the first goal at the 7 minute mark. The goal was scored by Sean Jones who scored a hat trick and added 2 assists for a big night. His line mates Scott Stephenson and Thomas Powell along with Sean was the dominating line chipping in with 9 points as after leading 1-0 after the first period the team added 5 goals in 5 minutes in the second period blowing the game wide open and adding 5 more to round out the score 11-0.

Goaltender, Kyle Green, collected his first shutout in Canada. Coach Graham Homann stated “ I was very pleased with most aspects of the game and I know the team will step up a level once we player tougher competition.”

The team has a day off tomorrow and will be travelling to the highest point in Osoyoos to see how the players react to the higher altitude which they will encounter in Spain .

The team will recommence training again on Monday for another two weeks of hard work before leaving for the World Championships.

Keep an eye open on the IHA website or updates and also for details of the next internet broadcast.

Australian Junior Team Assisted By 13 Year NHL Veteran Barry Beck

The Australian Junior Team had a surprise on ice visit today from Osoyoos local and 13 year NHL veteran Barry Beck who joined the team for this mornings two hour training session. Barry played from 1977 to 1990 with the Colorado Rockies, LA Kings and captained the New York Rangers. He was more than impressed with the talent and enthusiasm shown by the Australian junior squad.

During the session he gave playing tips, spent time putting the defence through their paces and giving the boys some much appreciated advice.

Barry is a highly respected coach now working with local players and teams throughout the Okanogan Valley, including a number of summer hockey camps. While enjoying a year off, due to the NHL shutout, he is currently head of the Rangers alumni and scouts for them throughout the country.

Australian NJT Assistant Coach, Mark Stephenson, stated - "Barry's vast knowledge and love for the game was a highly motivating and informative experience for the boys and one that they will surely treasure and remember.

Barry has indicated that he will gladly assist the team with their preparation for the World Championships next month in Spain and wishes the team all the best for the upcoming challenge. The team is indeed fortunate to have Barry on board.

Training Camp Update 1

The National Junior Team is now in full swing after a long flight and bus trip through snowy Manning Park. The team has been on the ice for three training sessions, and the coaching staff is very happy with the progress and the player’s commitment.

The people of Osoyoos have welcomed us with their usual hospitality and are looking forward to seeing the team play against their local teams. The team will also be attending the local Elementary School to meet with the students and discuss the history of Australian Ice Hockey.

We play our first game on Saturday 27 November 2004 in Oliver against the Osoyoos Midget Team. The game will be broadcast over the Internet. Details to follow once everything has been finalised.

Until then, this is the NJT signing off from Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada.

Cool pair to face hot competition

Despite the onset of an Australian summer, Josh Harding and Aubyn Martin are certain to maintain their cool at next month's International Ice Hockey Federation Under-20 World Championships in Spain. To read the rest of this article from the Adelaide Advertiser, click here.

Junior Team departs for training camp

Ice Hockey Australia's National U20 Junior Team are in the final stages of preparation for departure on Monday 22 November 2004 for their pre-World Championship training camp in Osoyoos, BC, Canada. Team members and officials are now fully decked out in their team apparel, and excitement is building.

Team Head Coach, Graham Homann, is extremely content with his 20 player squad. Latest confirmation from Tom Powell, Bradley Robertson, Sean Jones and Scott Stephenson from their work and study commitments will see all players able to attend the full camp. This will provide the valuable opportunity for the coaching staff to test the player match-ups and form the line-ups that will deliver the best possible result.

On behalf of the NJT-2005, Team Manager, Ross Noga, acknowledged the efforts and assistance of Mr Barry Dewar, the Osoyoos Storm organisation and the support of the Osoyoos Community, as without their support and efforts the training camp would not have been be possible.

Keep watching the IHA website for further updates, photos, Internet broadcast times and the team's progress. Watch for the next update which will be issued after the team's arrival and once they have settled in Osoyoos.