The 2025 Hockey Together Camp wrapped up following a landmark joint hosting between Seoul and Gangneung, Korea. Over seven days, the program blended classroom learning, cultural exchange, on- and off-ice practices as well as games, creating an unparalleled development experience for ice hockey coaches and players from around the world.
 
Organized by the Korea Ice Hockey Association (KIHA) with the support of the International Ice Hockey Federation and it’s Growing the Game Fund initiative as well as via the IOC Olympic Solidarity Program, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, and Korea Sports Promotion Foundation, the camp welcomed over 40 coaches from 25 countries across Asia, Oceania, and Europe. Domestic talent also took center stage, with Korean U15 players joining alongside U16 players from Hong Kong, China Ice Hockey Association creating a collaborative, competitive, and globally diverse environment.

From Theory to Practice – and International Friendship Games

Backed by an excellent pool of international instructors the program opened in Seoul with intensive classroom seminars on coaching education, player safety, and long-term athlete development. Midweek, the camp transitioned to Gangneung - the historic ice hockey venue of the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games - where participants applied their learning directly with domestic and international youth players.
 
The camp’s on-ice activities culminated also in a series of competitive games featuring Korean U15 players and the visiting Hong Kong, China Ice Hockey Association U16 team. These matches not only showcased the players’ progress but also carried the spirit of an international friendship exchange program, strengthening ties between nations and demonstrating the role of ice hockey as a platform for sports diplomacy.
 
Initiated by the Korea Ice Hockey Association, the Hockey Together Camp gradually grew in the last couple of years bringing together outstanding mentors, motivated participants, and a strong mix of theory and practical work. This combination not only develops skills on and off the ice but also created a lasting impact across the 25 countries who participated in this season.

Organizational Excellence Behind the Scenes

Chief Manager Susie Jo from the side of the Korea Ice Hockey Association, who oversaw the program’s planning and execution, reflected on the experience: “Our goal was to create an environment where coaches could gain world-class knowledge and apply it immediately to players, while also building international friendships. Coordinating a camp across two cities with participants from 25 countries was a challenge, but seeing the passion on the ice and the bonds formed off the ice made every effort worthwhile. I am grateful to all our partners who made this possible.”
 
As the 2025 Hockey Together Camp concluded with a group photo on the ice at the Gangneung Hockey Centre, participants left with enhanced coaching skills, deeper cultural understanding, and a shared commitment for growing the game in their home countries. Hockey Together remains and continue to contribute to the growing and emerging Asia and Oceania region uniting the global hockey family year after year.