Algerian Hockey 2010

[HockeyAlgeria]

New year for us, new thread.

[smitty10]

Good to see another hockey team in Africa. If I recall correctly South Africa and Namibia both have programs as well. Does Algeria have a large European (white) population like the other two countries? Or is there interest within the native population? How many arenas are there in the country? Are there any notable players? I remember reading Josef Boumidienne said he is of Algerian descent and that he would play for the team or help out in some way.

[HockeyAlgeria]

Originally Posted by smitty10

Good to see another hockey team in Africa. If I recall correctly South Africa and Namibia both have programs as well. Does Algeria have a large European (white) population like the other two countries? Or is there interest within the native population? How many arenas are there in the country? Are there any notable players? I remember reading Josef Boumidienne said he is of Algerian descent and that he would play for the team or help out in some way.

No we have very few white people in Algeria, the players mostly play in france, which we were a colony of. A small rink was recently built in the city of Tizi Ouzou and we are putting a junior programme in place.

There are plans for a league across morocco and tunisia, morocco already has a rink and team, tunisia is currently building a rink.

[BraveSirRobin]

Originally Posted by smitty10

Good to see another hockey team in Africa. If I recall correctly South Africa and Namibia both have programs as well. Does Algeria have a large European (white) population like the other two countries? Or is there interest within the native population? How many arenas are there in the country? Are there any notable players? I remember reading Josef Boumidienne said he is of Algerian descent and that he would play for the team or help out in some way.

Namibia is just inline hockey at the moment, though there are a couple players who have played in Namibia's inline league (and for the national team as well, I believe) playing ice in South Africa. I'll have to look for their names. I remember reading somewhere that they were going to start an ice program, but that was three or four years ago, and I haven't heard anything since.

I think it's great that hockey is growing in places like Algeria and Morocco. Here's hoping that the development goes well!

[WheatiesHockey]

Neat thread.
I always thought of Algerians having a great passion for soccer.

[HockeyAlgeria]

Originally Posted by WheatiesHockey

Neat thread.
I always thought of Algerians having a great passion for soccer.

Yes we reached the world cup this year, its made the algerian government put more money into sport.

[HockeyAlgeria]

also our jersey is now available to buy at http://www.hockeyalgeria.com/shop

[jekoh]

Originally Posted by smitty10

Does Algeria have a large European (white) population like the other two countries? Or is there interest within the native population?

Wait, what colour is the native population supposed to be?

Originally Posted by smitty10

I remember reading Josef Boumidienne said he is of Algerian descent and that he would play for the team or help out in some way.

He's ineligible as would any other potential "notable".

[HockeyAlgeria]

For the people who dont know, the algerian population is generally of arab and berber origin. The european people in algeria are there for business and foreign diplomats.

We have spoken to josef boumedienne in the past, he made it clear to us he'd like to be involved as half his family still live in algeria, however he would not be able to play for algeria in any IIHF tournament, but could play in say the arab cup or african nations cup.
Its most likely we will approach him again in future for some involvement in coaching or management.

[smitty10]

Originally Posted by jekoh

Wait, what colour is the native population supposed to be?

I was just wondering if the native (Arab) population were the ones that were playing or if it was people of European descent.

[TruthDeliveryVehicle*]

Originally Posted by smitty10

I was just wondering if the native (Arab) population were the ones that were playing or if it was people of European descent.

Mostly French and Canadians citizens of Algerian descent.

[HockeyAlgeria]

Originally Posted by Hold Steady

Mostly French and Canadians citizens of Algerian descent.

Yes its a mix of Algerian born but playing elsewhere and of Algerian origin. There is currently no Algerian trained players as the first rink only opened this year, but we hope to change that now.

[HockeyAlgeria]

If you want to check out more info on Algerian hockey we have the following links:

website: http://www.hockeyalgeria.com

facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/AlgeriaIceHockeyTeam

check out our vids on our youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/HockeyAlgeria

and twitter: http://twitter.com/Hockey_Algeria

[HockeyAlgeria]

Also the Algerian team are looking for sponsorship so if you know of any company or person who may be interested please do get in touch. Thanks