Venezuela Stuns Colombia to Capture Latin American U-16 Ice Hockey Championship – A Rising Force in a Non-Traditional Sport
CORAL SPRINGS, FLORIDA – In a moment that’s sending ripples of excitement through Venezuela’s sporting community, the nation’s Under-16 ice hockey team has clinched the Latin American title at the Amerigol Latam Cup in Florida. The dramatic victory over Colombia, sealed in overtime with a final score of 3-2, marks a historic first for Venezuela in this age group and signals a growing momentum for the sport within the country. This is a breaking news story with significant SEO implications for sports fans and those following the development of hockey in Latin America.
A Golden Goal in Overtime
The ICE Den in Coral Springs witnessed a thrilling final as Diego Manzo, Chase Isrel, and Francisco Peñafiel each found the back of the net for Venezuela. The victory wasn’t simply about the score; it was a testament to years of dedication and a burgeoning hockey program. More than 60 teams from around the globe, including many from “non-traditional markets” for ice hockey, participated in the Amerigol Latam Cup, making Venezuela’s achievement all the more impressive.
Building a Hockey Nation: From 13 Players to Champions
Behind the scenes, the success is largely attributed to the vision and tireless work of coach Juan de Dios Singer, who also serves as a coach for the Junior Florida Panthers. Singer had a roster of 17 players at his disposal, a far cry from the humble beginnings of the Venezuelan hockey program in 2018. “We started with just 13 players in the senior category,” Singer explained, highlighting the incredible growth trajectory. The team’s structure reflects the challenges faced by a developing hockey nation – players balance national team commitments with their local club obligations, making weekend training sessions crucial.
The Champion Roster
The victorious Venezuelan U-16 team included: Emilio Contreras, Gabriel Dobsky, Ricardo Jiménez, Chase Isrel, Donovan Rea, Camilo Febres, Luis Contreras, Santiago Carrasquero, Diego Manzo (Captain), Christian Rivas Peña, Franco Peñafiel, Isoking Katib, Christian Keammer, Alejandro Jobs, Mauricio Viela, and David Sequera. These young athletes represent a new generation of Venezuelan hockey players.
U-12 Finalists and a South American Rivalry
The U-16 triumph wasn’t the only success for Venezuela at the tournament. The U-12 team also reached the finals, falling just short of victory with 13 minutes remaining. However, the U-12 squad demonstrated their prowess earlier in the year, claiming the championship in 2024 with a win over Brazil – a match considered a classic South American rivalry, having faced off in three previous championship games. This ongoing competition is fueling the growth of the sport across the continent.
A Long-Term Vision: From Online Skates to Olympic Dreams
Singer’s commitment extends beyond simply winning tournaments. He’s actively working to develop the sport at all levels, even recruiting players who initially honed their skills in online skates hockey. He envisions a future where ice hockey is widely practiced throughout Venezuela. “Developing it is my great dream,” Singer stated. “Seeing the results is gratifying to create a sport in a country and that has weight.” His ultimate ambition? An Olympic classification for Venezuela within the next seven years – a challenging goal that requires significant investment and adherence to international standards. He’s also encouraging participation in Roller Hockey, with academies already established in several Venezuelan cities: Caracas, Barquisimeto, Puerto Ordaz, and Valencia. Ice hockey headquarters are currently located in Ciudad Guayana, with plans to expand to Maracaibo soon.
This victory isn’t just a win for the Venezuelan U-16 team; it’s a powerful statement about the potential of ice hockey in Latin America and a testament to the dedication of coaches, players, and supporters who are building a sporting future, one thrilling game at a time. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and the exciting world of international sports.
