Ice-hockey Competition Ignites Youth Passion! 2026 National U16 Junior Men’s Ice Hockey Championship Kicks off in Lingang District

Guided by Shandong Provincial Sports Bureau and hosted by the Chinese Ice Hockey Association, the event is jointly undertaken by Shandong Winter Sports Management Center, Weihai Municipal Bureau of Sports and the Administrative Committee of Weihai Lingang Economic-Technological Development Zone, and executed by Stanley (Tianjin) Sports & Culture Development Co., Ltd. Weihai Branch. The competition will run until August 21.

Over the next seven days, 11 provincial and municipal teams across China with more than 300 participants will compete in the tournament. Right after the opening ceremony, the opening match took place between Shanghai and Beijing teams. Players from both sides quickly hit their stride. With skates gliding swiftly across the ice and intense on-ice contests unfolding, they demonstrated sophisticated tactical awareness and tenacious fighting spirit, bringing spectators a spectacular ice‑hockey showdown.

All participating teams have stepped into intensive pre-match preparation ahead of the games. “Our whole team stayed to watch the fixture between Beijing and Shanghai, aiming to gain an in-depth insight into our opponents’ tactical styles so we can make more targeted preparations,” said Huang Haijing, head coach of Harbin Team. Having finished sixth in last year’s U-series events, Harbin Team sets its sights not only on better results this year, but also on the all-round improvement of players’ individual tactical capabilities and mental resilience to achieve comprehensive growth.

Hong Kong Team also holds high expectations for this championship. Mike Beharrell, its head coach, has led his side to compete at Weihai Ice Arena on multiple occasions. He spoke highly of the venue facilities and event organisation: “Weihai Ice Arena boasts excellent conditions. The event is well‑organised with sufficient support from staff. Our team features a fast‑paced, possession‑based playing style with Hong Kong characteristics. We are fully prepared and focused on delivering our best performance in the games.”

Relying on professional venues and a sound service system, Lingang District of Weihai has long devoted itself to the development of ice‑and‑snow sports. It has successfully hosted a string of high-profile events including the National Women’s Ice Hockey Championship, National U18 Junior Men’s Ice Hockey Championship, Shandong Provincial Ice Hockey Championship, Stanley Cup Youth Ice Hockey Invitational Tournament and National Figure Skating Club League. Ice sports have become deeply integrated into local urban development and evolved into a landmark business card for Lingang.

Holding this championship in Weihai Lingang recognises the district’s capacity for staging major events. It will further boost the popularisation and development of youth ice-and-snow sports. Seizing this opportunity, Lingang District will keep improving event support services, build a higher-level competitive platform for young ice‑hockey players nationwide, and nurture new talent for the development of China’s ice‑hockey industry.