For the sixth year running, the Israel Recreational Hockey Association, in partnership with Leket Israel -The National Food Bank, is hosting its annual recreational ice hockey tournament at the amazing Canada Center in Metulla, Israel. The non-contact tournament is open to all players and is geared to the over 35 crowd, with each team allowed several players under that age.

It's the perfect excuse to come visit the Holy Land and get to boast that you played hockey there. Both team and individual entries are accepted.

Participants are expected from Israel, Canada, the USA and Europe. All players will get a unique team jersey, tournament T-shirt, bag and cap.

Non-players such as coaches, family members and all other interested observers can attend at a nominal price which will include everything tournament participants get except playing time, trophies and jerseys.

Send in your application ASAP as space is really limited this year. Airfares are currently very reasonable for that time of year.

The tournament takes place in the Canada Center in the heart of Metulla (http://www.canada-centre.co.il/en/) one of Israel's major tourist attractions and the largest sports centre of its type in the region. You may even be able to double your winter Israel experience with a visit to the Mt. Hermon ski slopes, weather and conditions permitting.

Watch the video below by well known TSN sports journalist Rod Black to see some of the 2010 tournament. 

This tournament not only promotes sportsmanship and participation, it gives you the great fun excuse to visit Israel and get a lifetime of memories.

More information and can be found on our website - http://www.israelhockeyassociation.org/

See you on the ice in Israel,

Dr. Danny Spodek, Tournament Chairman, Israel

E-mail: irha@live.ca