All news tagged IceHockey

For Manvil “Manny” Billones, ice hockey isn’t just a sport. It’s a rush, a rhythm, and a reflection of pure adrenaline. 

Born on November 1, 1993, Billones has carved his path from the rinks of the United States to representing the Philippines in the international arena.

“I played a lot of sports, but hockey was the one that really caught my eye,” he shared. “I like the speed and how fast you can go on the ice, the flow of the game. There’s not that much stoppage. You just go out there, and how intense it is, you can hit, score, and it’s just a fun time.”

Billones, who studied at West Chester University in the U.S., found hockey a sport that matched his competitive fire. Now a forward for the Philippine Men’s National Ice Hockey Team, he carries with him both skill and pride every time he dons the national jersey.

“It’s an honor, really—and just pride,” he said when asked what it means to represent the country.

The team, a mix of veterans and new faces, continues to evolve each season. “There’s a lot of new players, veterans and new guys. It’s a different dynamic,” he explained. “But we’re going to blend better, practice more, and it’s going to be a great time together.”

As one of the team’s experienced players, Billones sets his sights on progress. “Our goal is to get promoted every year, to reach a higher level every time,” he said. “We don’t want to stay on the same level. We just want to improve every time and try to get medals in any tournament we play.”

Off the ice, Billones is as laid-back as he is competitive. “I like to golf,” he admitted with a grin. “But other than hockey, I like to sleep a lot.”

When asked what he wants Filipinos to appreciate about ice hockey, Billones encourages fans to look beyond the usual courts and fields. “It’s not just the main sports like basketball or volleyball,” he said. “You should go out and watch a new sport. Seeing the speed, how fun it is, and the intensity, it’s just a good time.”

And for young Filipinos curious to give hockey a shot? Billones keeps it simple: “Just come to MOA and try it out. Even if it’s just public skating, you never know, you might fall in love with it like us.”

From the ice rinks of West Chester to the cold confines of the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Manny Billones continues to embody the grit and passion of Filipino athletes proving that no climate can cool the fire of national pride.

For Steven Füglister, ice hockey isn’t just a sport, It’s a lifelong passion that began on the frozen rinks of Zurich, Switzerland, and now thrives thousands of miles away in the tropics of the Philippines.

Born on January 25, 1986, Füglister grew up surrounded by the sport. “In the neighborhood I grew up in, all the kids played hockey,” he recalled. “So I naturally wanted to join. All my friends played, and the love just evolved from there.”

That childhood fascination became a lifelong commitment. Today, Füglister proudly serves as center and captain of the Philippine National Ice Hockey Team, a squad that continues to defy expectations in a country more associated with beaches than blades.

Representing the Philippines on the international stage, he says, is an experience that never loses its meaning. “It’s always a big honor,” he shared, reflecting the pride he feels wearing the national colors on his jersey.

This year’s roster features many new faces, but that doesn’t faze Füglister, who’s long been a steadying force for the team. “We have a lot of newcomers who joined the men’s national team, so we’re trying to gel, include everyone, and form a new team, basically,” he said. That sense of unity is what fuels their drive, especially with competitions like the Southeast Asian Games in sight.

Fuglister’s personal goal remains simple yet powerful: “Become better every day and, as a team, be successful at the SEA Games.”

“Off the rink, life is just as busy. I have three kids, so they keep me busy,” he said with a smile. “I’m trying to get my twin boys excited for hockey and maybe they’ll one day share the same passion for the game. When I’m not at the rink, I love spending time with my wife, travel and focusing on business. “

While ice hockey may still be growing in popularity in the Philippines, Füglister believes it’s only a matter of exposure before Filipinos embrace the sport’s intensity. “It’s something not really ordinary here,” he admitted. “But once you come to the rink and watch the game, it’s really exciting—the speed, the grit, and the action.”

And for those curious to give the sport a shot, his advice is straightforward: “Go to the SM Skating Rinks, try public skating, and maybe at one point, try hockey.”

From Swiss beginnings to Southeast Asian glory, Steven Füglister embodies the spirit of passion, perseverance, and pride. Under his leadership, the Philippine ice hockey team continues to prove that even in a tropical country, champions can be forged on ice.

When you think of Philippine sports, ice hockey might not be the first thing that comes to mind but for BJ Imperial, it’s been his lifelong passion and purpose. 

Born on February 23, 1999, and a proud graduate of Ateneo de Manila University, Imperial now anchors the blue line as a defenseman for the Philippine National Ice Hockey Team.

His journey into the sport began with a touch of family influence. “I first started playing ice hockey when my cousins, who grew up in the States, moved back to the Philippines when they were in college,” Imperial recalled. “I was around four or five years old then. They liked to play hockey back in the U.S., so when they came back, I just wanted to tag along.”

At first, those games played on the streets were simple, playful sessions that sparked a lifelong love for the game. It wasn’t until age 12 that Imperial first laced up his skates on real ice, marking the beginning of his serious pursuit of the sport.

Representing the country, he says, is a feeling like no other. “It’s something that I really take pride in, he shared. I tell my friends, I don’t think you’ve ever sung the national anthem like I have. It’s a different kind of pride when you play for your country.”

That sense of pride extends to his teammates, with whom he shares a strong brotherhood forged through hard work and shared sacrifice. “Within the team, I think it’s a really close bond because you go through a lot of things together, the struggles of training, competing against other countries, and taking pride in what you’re doing,” he said.

For Imperial, winning is always the goal, but it’s not the only one. “Aside from winning, I guess it’s also to encourage the next generation. We hope that hockey doesn’t stop with our team. We hope that it continues for the next generation.”

When he’s not patrolling the rink or studying game tapes, Imperial trades his hockey stick for a golf club. “When I’m not playing hockey or watching hockey, I like to play golf,” he said with a smile.

And for young Filipinos curious about trying ice hockey, his message is simple but heartfelt: “Don’t be intimidated. It’s a sport that’s not really famous for a tropical country, but just come out and join us.”

For BJ Imperial, the ice may be cold, but his passion burns bright. A proof that even in a tropical nation, dreams can glide and goals can shine under the rink lights.

When Jann So Tiong first stepped onto the ice, it was not competition that greeted him, it was curiosity. What began as a casual public skating session with his parents soon turned into a lifelong passion.

“We happened to run into one of my mom’s college friends whose son played ice hockey,” he recalled. “They let me try it, and I just soon grew to love it.”

Born on February 1, 2002, Jann is a solid defenseman for the Philippine Ice Hockey Team. What drives him most is not personal glory, but the privilege of representing his country on the international stage.

“In one word, it’s honor,” he said. “You don’t always get the opportunity to represent your country. I take so much pride and honor in playing for the Philippines.”

For the University of Santo Tomas product, the team is not just a group of athletes, it is family.

“We are all different in terms of age,” he explained. “There are older ones we look up to like kuyas, and younger ones too. Our coaches and team manager are like fathers or titos.”

The family-like bond goes beyond camaraderie; it was built on accountability and respect. 

“Even the younger ones can call out the older ones if something’s wrong,” he said. “We keep each other accountable, whether it’s about discipline or teamwork.”

This close-knit culture, he believes, is what fuels the team’s growth and strengthens their unity on ice.

As one of the national team’s rising defensive anchors, Jann has his eyes set on both personal and team achievements. 

“Of course, I want to help the country move up divisions in our world championship ranking,” he shared. “And I want to bring pride to the Philippines by winning medals, whether in the SEA Games or other tournaments.”

Individual recognition would be nice, he admitted, but it is not his main goal. 

“I’d rather get a gold medal for the country than any personal award,” the San Juan native said, reflecting his team-first mindset.

Outside of hockey, Jann enjoys a grounded, family-oriented life. “When I’m not at the rink, I’m either working out or spending time with my family,” he said. “I also like trying different things—new food, new activities. I just like experiencing new things.”

His passion for the game, however, always shines through. When asked what message he would give to anyone curious about hockey, his response was simple and inspiring:

“It can be scary at the start, since you’re on skates and on ice, but if you give it a try, you’ll like it. It’s something you don’t see every day, and once you try it, you’ll realize it’s easier than you think.”

From a young skater in San Juan to a national team defenseman, Jann So Tiong’s journey is one marked by passion, discipline, and national pride. His story reflects the heart of Philippine ice hockey itself, tight-knit, resilient, and always ready to defend the country’s colors with pride. 

When François Gautier first laced up his skates more than three decades ago, he never imagined that a Hollywood film would spark a lifelong passion that would eventually take root thousands of miles away—in the Philippines.

Like many of the country’s first-generation hockey players, Gautier discovered the sport through the classic Mighty Ducks movie.

“I tried several sports when I was a kid, and when I tried hockey, I just fell in love with it,” he recalled. “Never looked back.”

Today, the 41-year-old goaltender proudly wears the Philippine colors on the international stage, a role he describes as both honor and a privilege. 

“It’s something special,” he said. “When you wear the flag, you just want to do your best for your country.”

Gautier returned to the Philippines in 2005 after finishing high school and college in France, and quickly became part of the small but passionate hockey community. He says the national team's culture is built on unity amid diversity.

“We have a lot of different backgrounds,” he explained. “Some are half French, half Swiss, half Swedish. But when we step on the ice, we’re all family. We have each other’s backs.”

Despite varying ages and careers, some players are students, others are working professionals or parents, the bond among teammates remains strong. “When we are at the rink, it is like we leave everything else behind. It is just us and the game,” he added.

Outside of hockey, Gautier enjoys spending time with his family. 

“Nowadays, I just like to stay home with my kids,” he said. “Our schedule is pretty demanding, especially with two big tournaments coming up, so downtime is precious.”

With three international championships on the horizon, Gautier balances his on-ice duties with his responsibilities as a father. A testament to the dedication shared by many Filipino ice hockey players who juggle passion and personal life.

Ask Gautier what makes hockey special, and his eyes light up. “It is the greatest sport in the world,” he declared. “You’ve got speed, intensity, and heart. It’s like three or four sports combined.”

The Lycée Saint-Charles product also draws an amusing comparison to basketball, the Philippines’ national obsession.

“I know Filipinos love basketball,” he said, smiling. “But in hockey, we’ve got blades on our feet, and I’m stopping pucks going a hundred miles an hour, sometimes hitting my head.”

For Gautier, hockey players are “warriors.” Unlike other sports, he says, “We pretend not to hurt just to keep playing.”

His message to aspiring players? “Come by, give it a try. Whether you are young or older, we will teach you. Put on a pair of skates, we will show you how to fly out there.”

Now guarding the net for the Philippine Men’s National Ice Hockey Team, Gautier has come full circle in his athletic journey. 

“I used to be a defenseman for 30 years,” he said. “Now, I am a goalie and [I’m] loving it.”

Gautier has spent the last two decades helping grow the sport in his home. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and pride. A reflection of how far Philippine ice hockey has come, and how much further it can go.

In a country where sun blazes year-round and basketball courts are found on nearly every corner, the idea of building a national ice hockey team might seem impossible. Yet, inside the cold confines of the rink, Finnish coach Juhani “Jay” Ijäs is helping the Philippine Men’s National Ice Hockey Team carve out a story that’s both unlikely and inspiring.

Having led the squad for the past three years, Coach Jay witnessed the sport’s evolution firsthand, from its early days to its growing presence on the international stage.

“The Philippines started to go international in 2017,” he said. “There were half Filipino players who helped build the program, some of them are still playing today, but now it is a good blend of older and younger players.”

Since making their international debut, the Filipino ice warriors have steadily gained recognition across Southeast Asia and is currently ranked 54th in the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Ranking. 

While the program remains relatively young, he sees its progress as a testament to the players’ passion and perseverance, proof that love for the sport can thrive even in the tropics. 

When Coach Jay arrived in the Philippines, he knew the challenges ahead: limited ice time, scarce training facilities, and a small player base. Yet, the Finnish tactician, who grew up surrounded by one of Europe’s most hockey-crazed cultures, approached it with patience and optimism.

“We are still a very small and young program,” he said. “Not only the national team, but we also need to recruit more younger players so that ice hockey will continue to grow in the Philippines.”

He believes that the real growth begins at the grassroots. Beyond building elite athletes, it is about introducing the sport to the next generation, one child at a time.

To ensure the ice hockey’s long-term future, Coach Jay, who is also the program director of the team, and the federation launched a “Learn to Play” program every Sunday morning open to children as young as three or four years old.

“It’s not really ice hockey yet,” he explained. “It’s just to get the feel of the ice. We need to start young because hockey is demanding, learning to skate, controlling the puck, and adapting to the physicality of the game.”

By partnering with schools and promoting the sport among families, the goal is to make skating, and eventually hockey, more accessible to Filipino youth.

Developing both talent and teamwork has been another challenge for the Finnish coach. With limited rink availability shared among men’s, women’s, and youth teams, training time is precious.

“We don’t have much extra ice time,” he admitted. “So we have to balance individual skill development with team play. Usually, about 30 minutes go to individual drills and the rest to our game systems and structure.”

Despite these constraints, the team continues to refine its systems, relying on discipline, conditioning, and camaraderie, in which Coach Jay emphasizes every session.

For him, physical conditioning is non-negotiable. Ice hockey demands more than technical skill; it requires resilience and athleticism to withstand 60 minutes of intense, high-speed play.

“We want to be a stronger skating team,” he said. “It is very demanding to play a full 60-minute game, so we cannot get fatigued. That’s the number one thing to be in good shape and be an athlete.”

With improved fitness and structure, he hopes the national team can stand toe-to-toe with more established programs in future tournaments, including the Southeast Asian Games.

Despite the challenges of promoting an ice sport in a tropical country, Coach Jay remains hopeful. He has seen how the energy of the players and the enthusiasm of young fans can create something special.

“Come here to the ice rink and watch our national teams play,” he urged. “It is really exciting, it is a unique sport. And if you don't like the game of ice hockey itself, maybe just ice skating, Philippines is fun, you can get away from the heat of outside and come here inside the cold."

From Finland to the Philippines, Coach Jay has brought with him more than just experience, he has brought belief. Under his guidance, the Philippine Men’s National Ice Hockey Team continues to prove that even in a land of sunshine, greatness can be forged on ice.

The Philippine Ice Hockey Team has officially departed for Thailand to compete in the upcoming Ice Hockey Tournament, which runs from October 28 to November 2.

Philippine Ice Hockey team manager Pet Tigaronita told scoreline.ph about the upcoming rally of the team. “The team is leaving this morning to participate in “Land of Smiles” in Thailand. It’s a hockey tournament from Oct 28 to Nov 2.” 

The weeklong event will feature some of the best teams from the region, promising a thrilling showcase of speed, skill, and teamwork on the ice.

Fueled by pride and determination, the Filipino skaters are ready to make their mark and represent the country with passion in this international competition.

Jodi Catherine Dino, who was born on the 11th day of January 2002, is a forward on the Philippine National Women’s Ice Hockey Team who brings a valuable blend of agility, speed, and offensive intuition to the ice.

In 2024, Dino was part of the Philippine Women's Ice Hockey Team that competed in the International Ice Hockey Federation Asia and Oceania Championship, where they defeated Kyrgyzstan and clinched the championship.

Whether she’s weaving through defenders or setting up critical plays, Dino consistently provides the team with reliable forward momentum and sharp execution in the offensive zone.

Her skating finesse and quick transitions make her a constant threat on fast breaks, while her ability to read the game allows her to find opportunities to support her teammates and capitalize on scoring chances.

Illeana Venice Jimenez is a prominent member of the Philippine women's national ice hockey team, widely recognized for her skillful play and contributions as a forward. Born on September 15, 2004, she currently plays for the Mustangs Hockey Club and has become a standout representative of the Philippines on the international stage.

One of her most notable appearances came during the 2024 IIHF Women's Asia and Oceania Cup held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. She played a crucial role in the Philippines' campaign, helping lead the team to a strong 4–1 tournament record and a well-earned silver medal finish.

During the 2024 IIHF Women’s Asia and Oceania Cup, Jimenez tallied two goals and two assists, showcasing her offensive capabilities and consistency under pressure.

Her performance in the Asia and Oceania Cup not only elevated her status as an elite athlete but also underscored the growing presence of women’s ice hockey in the Philippines.

Alyssa Candace Sanchez is one of the standout figures on the Philippine women's national ice hockey team, serving as a dependable forward and proudly wearing jersey number 95.

Born on November 21, 1991, the 4'11", 132-lb right-handed shooter has been instrumental in advancing the team’s performance and visibility on the international stage.

Sanchez recently showcased her talents at the 2024 IIHF Women’s Asia and Oceania Championship, where she recorded one goal and one assist across four games. With a +1 plus-minus rating and three shots on goal, she demonstrated her ability to contribute effectively on both ends of the ice. Her playmaking instincts and tireless work ethic have earned her recognition as a reliable and impactful presence on the national team.

At the club level, she represents the Eagles, one of the top-tier ice hockey clubs in the country. Her active role in both national and club competitions highlights the growing footprint of women’s ice hockey in the Philippines—a remarkable achievement given the country’s tropical climate.

Her passion, skill, and perseverance not only uplift the national team's efforts but also serve as an inspiration to a new generation of Filipina athletes. Through her dedication, Alyssa Candace Sanchez is helping shape a stronger and more competitive presence for the Philippines on the global ice hockey stage.

The Philippine Women’s Ice Hockey Team continues to dominate the ice at the IIHF Women’s Asia Cup 2025 in the United Arab Emirates, racking up three impressive wins in the tournament so far.

In their third game last night, June 3, the Filipinas delivered a commanding 8–1 victory over Malaysia.

Bianca Cuevas (#10) was named Player of the Game for her exceptional leadership and standout performance against the Malaysian squad.

In Game 2, the team skated past the UAE with a strong 6–1 win. Rosalyn Lim (#39) earned Player of the Game honors for her solid contributions and presence on the ice.

Meanwhile, Team Philippines opened their campaign with an emphatic 15–0 shutout against Kyrgyzstan. Jasmine Alcido (#87) shone brightly, taking Player of the Game honors with an incredible performance.

With these powerful wins, the Filipinas are proving to be a force to be reckoned with in this year’s tournament. Stay tuned as they continue their quest for glory at the IIHF Women’s Asia Cup 2025.

In tonight's game, the Filipinas will look to notch their fourth straight victory as they face off against India.

Inspired by the 1990s film "Mighty Ducks", Ice hockey's history in the Philippines began in the early 2000s. What started as casual skating sessions quickly evolved into organized play, with a passionate local community driving the sport forward.

But because the Philippines is a tropical country with no winter season, ice hockey and some other winter sports are played on artificial ice rinks. This kind of sport may not be the first sport that comes to mind in a tropical country like the Philippines, but its unlikely rise has been nothing short of remarkable. 

In February 2015, the governing body of ice hockey in the country, the Federation of Ice Hockey League (FIHL), was formed. 

The FIHL was admitted as an associate member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) on 20 May 2016 and they secured Philippine Olympic Committee membership by July 2016. During this year, there were already 211 registered players from five clubs in the country, and the popularity of this sport suddenly increased. 

A IIHF sanctioned league, the Philippine Hockey League was organized in 2018 fulfilling a prerequisite for the Philippine men's national team participation in the Ice Hockey World Championships. 

Prior to 2008 and before the formation of the FIHL, club selection teams competed in regional competitions as unofficial national teams. 

The main league in the country is the Philippine Hockey League which follows IIHF regulations.  A recreational ice hockey league, the Manila Ice Hockey League, is also held.

After the formation of the FIHL, national ice hockey teams were officially organized. The men's national team made their official debut at the 2017 Asian Winter Games while the women's team made theirs at the 2017 IIHF Women's Challenge Cup of Asia. 

The team lost 10–5 in their first official match against Kyrgyzstan. The Philippines secured their first official win as a FIHL member by defeating Qatar with a score of 14–2, followed by an 8–3 triumph over Kuwait, which competed as the Independent Olympic Athletes. The team placed third in their division after a 9–2 win over Macau in the play-off for third place. 

The Philippines participated at an ice hockey tournament event of the 2017 Southeast Asian Games whose mentor, Czech head coach Daniel Brodan started their Southeast Asian Games campaign with a 12–0 victory over Indonesia. This was followed by their game against Singapore which ended with a 7–2 triumph.

This was then followed by their game against Malaysia which saw the ejection of the Philippine captain, Steven Füglister from the game in the first period. He was given a game misconduct penalty for hitting a Malaysian player in the head while pursuing the puck although the skipper said the infraction was an unintentional accident. The match ended with a 7–7 tie after regulation time after an extra five-minute-period which led to a shootout. The Philippines outscored Malaysia to register a win.

The Malaysian organizers decided to suspend Fuglister for the final match against Thailand. Despite playing without their captain, the Philippines wrapped up their campaign, undefeated with a 5–4 win over Thailand and clinched the first ever ice hockey gold medal in the history of the regional tournament. 

In April 3 to 8 2018, The Philippines hosted the Top Division of the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia, the national team’s first IIHF-sanctioned tournament, at the SM Mall of Asia Ice Skating Rink in Pasay, Metro Manila. The team was mentored by American head coach, Jonathan De Castro. The national team settled for bronze after tying in points with champions Mongolia and runners-up Thailand.

The national team improved its best finish in the tournament in the following edition of the tournament in 2019 hosted in Malaysia. They lost to Mongolia in the final, settling for second place. The Philippines failed to defend their Southeast Asian Games title at home in the 2019 edition of the regional games, settling only for a bronze medal finish.

The country actually qualified for the 2020 edition of the world event, but the tournament got cancelled due to the pandemic. The team faced similar problems in 2022, rendering them unable to participate.

In 2023, the Philippine ice hockey team decimated its competition to capture the gold in the 2023 IIHF World Championship Division IV in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Sweeping the competition mostly by decisive margins, the wins included a 14-0 beatdown of Indonesia, another 14-0 victory against Kuwait, and a slim 7-6 victory against the host country that took overtime. 

The title run also propelled the Filipinos to Division III B, where they joined other Asian countries like Singapore, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, and Hong Kong, as well as other European squads like Bosnia and Herzegovina.

When not in competition, the players continue to hone their craft under the tutelage of their Finnish coach Juhani Ijäs, and the leadership of captain Manvil Billones, the leading scorer of the Division IV tournament.

With the partnership of Philippine Skating Union (PSU) and its energetic head Nikki Cheng, the team practices in several skating rinks across Metro Manila situated inside big malls.

One of the focuses now of Hockey Philippines is its grassroots program. According to former Philippine Hockey team Captain Steven Fuglister, Kids can come and get gear for free and they can go to a six-week program, which is conducted every Sunday. 

“That is where kids can come, you get gear, there’s gear that is provided to you for free. And you can go to I think like a six-week program, also every Sunday. And just have fun, ’cause I think at that level, how you can get the kids in, it’s like having fun and a good time. And I think so far, it’s been pretty well organized.”  said Fuglister.

Rhianne Hailie Jade Alix is already turning heads as a forward for the Philippine National Women’s Ice Hockey Team at the age of 16. 

She is known for her speed, agility, and smart puck control, Alix brings youthful energy and a fresh edge to the team’s offensive lineup.

She is also a product of the Philippines’ growing grassroots ice hockey movement, Alix exemplifies the sport’s expanding reach among the youth. Her journey began in mall skating rinks, where curiosity quickly turned into passion—and then into national-level performance. Despite her age, she has earned the respect of her teammates and coaches with her relentless work ethic, sharp instincts, and playmaking ability.

Born in the Philippines and raised in Canada, Jasmin Alcido is a Filipino-Canadian ice hockey player who has earned a coveted spot on the Philippine National Women's Hockey Team. 

She’s been playing hockey since she was six years old—a sport that has changed her life in many ways. Now, she gives back as she continues to move forward in her journey.

Alcido’s goal is to continue playing competitive hockey for as long as she can—an aspiration she strives toward every day. She describes herself as a shifty player with strong ice vision and has been working on her shot, which has seen significant improvement over the past season.

She wears jersey #87, symbolizing not only her competitive spirit but also her pride in representing her heritage.

Alcido has been playing hockey for over 12 years. Her deep passion for the sport and strong connection to her roots have driven her to represent the Philippines on the international stage.

Bringing poise, experience, and rock-solid consistency to the backline, Gabrielle Formoso-Laysico has a vital presence on the ice. As a defender, her game is built on smart positioning, strong communication, and an unwavering commitment to protecting her zone.

She brings a wealth of experience and composure to the defensive unit. Known for her smart positioning, strong reads, and calm under pressure, she plays a key role in anchoring the back end and mentoring and elevating her younger teammates.

With her international experience under the IIHF banner, Gabrielle’s leadership and poise continue to be vital assets — making her not just a defender, but a cornerstone of the team's defensive identity.

Whether it’s breaking up plays, blocking shots, or guiding younger teammates, her impact goes far beyond the stat sheet. Her presence brings much-needed stability and leadership to the defensive lineup — a true asset in high-pressure international competition under the IIHF banner.

With her combination of skill and composure, she stands as a key pillar in the team’s pursuit of excellence., She’s not just holding the line — she’s defining it.

Lou Marie Reyes Cauyao, is one of the players of the Philippine Women’s Ice Hockey Team which won as Silver Medalist during the 2024 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women’s Asia and Oceania Cup in In Bishkek, KYRGYZSTAN, from March 24 to 30 2024. 

This prestigious tournament brought together top women’s teams from across Asia and Oceania, showcasing talent, determination, and the growing strength of women’s ice hockey in the region. Cauyao played a vital role in fortifying the team's defense throughout the tournament, helping to secure the Philippines’ historic run to the podium.

Known for her sharp defensive instincts, determination and dedication to the sport, Cauyao exemplifies the spirit of Filipino athletes who continue to break new ground in less traditional sports like ice hockey. Her contribution not only reflects individual excellence but also highlights the rising momentum of women’s ice hockey in the Philippines.

Danielle Lourdes Imperial is a prominent figure in Philippine women's ice hockey, known for her leadership and significant contributions to the national team. As the captain of the Philippine Eagles, she has been instrumental in elevating the sport's profile in the country.

Danielle Lourdes Imperial is a standout member of the Philippines’ women’s national ice hockey team, widely recognized for her impactful play and clutch performances on the international stage.

One of her most notable contributions came during the 2019 IIHF Women’s Challenge Cup of Asia, where she played a pivotal role in helping the team capture the gold medal. In the final match against the United Arab Emirates, Imperial scored a crucial goal that doubled the Philippines' lead to 2-0 — a decisive moment in the tightly contested game.

Although the UAE managed to score late, narrowing the gap, the Philippines held on for a 2-1 victory. Imperial’s goal proved vital in securing the win and underscored her ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage.

The United States men’s hockey team made history last Sunday May 25, capturing gold at the 2025 IIHF World Championship—their first title in 92 years. 

In a dramatic overtime finish, Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres scored the winning goal just 2:02 into the extra period, leading the U.S. to a 1-0 victory over Switzerland at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.

Goaltender Jeremy Swayman (Boston Bruins) was a cornerstone of the win, turning aside all 25 shots he faced to record a shutout and secure a long-awaited title for Team USA.

“This tournament and this group rejuvenated me as an individual, I found my game again. I was happy again. This is a turning point for me. To be part of the group that finally did it—it’s surreal.” said Swayman. 

The victory marked the first gold medal for Team USA at the World Championship since 1933, snapping one of international hockey’s longest-running title droughts. The Americans had reached the semifinals 12 times in recent years without advancing to the final—until now.

In their semifinals, the U.S. stunned host nation Sweden with a commanding 6-2 win, setting the stage for their golden moment.

“It’s a crazy stat, reflecting on the 92-year wait. “Everyone in that room took it to heart. Whether you were playing top minutes or cheering from the bench, every guy committed. That’s why we won.”  said Thompson.

Since 2000, the U.S. has managed just five bronze medals in the tournament (2004, 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2021). This gold represents more than just a win—it’s a statement of intent as the team eyes even greater success.

“We were embarrassed that we hadn’t won this tournament. Now we don’t have that weight on our back. This is the start of something.” said head coach Ryan Warsofsky (San Jose Sharks).

The redemption arc comes just months after Team USA fell short in the 4 Nations Face-Off, losing to Canada in overtime. This time, they completed the mission.

“That’s hockey, man, Biggest stages, biggest moments. We weren’t nervous. We knew it was our time. Mission accomplished, baby.” Swayman added.

With the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on the horizon—and NHL participation returning—this World Championship performance could reshape Team USA’s Olympic roster. Only two players from the 4 Nations team returned for this tournament: Swayman and Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets).

The current group, including Thompson (6G, 3A), Clayton Keller (3G, 7A), Frank Nazar (6G, 6A), and Logan Cooley (4G, 8A), all made strong cases for inclusion on the Olympic squad.

“USA Hockey is here to stay, This is just the first step.” Swayman declared. 

Bianca Yasmine Cuevas has emerged as a standout figure in Philippine women’s ice hockey, making significant contributions to the national team’s success on the international stage.

 Cuevas began her journey on ice as a figure skater before transitioning to ice hockey. Because of her passion for the sport, it led her to represent the Philippines in the 2017 IIHF Women’s Challenge Cup of Asia. 

She quickly made her mark by leading the team in scoring with five goals and four assists over six games and captured a 7-4 victory against hosts Kyrgyzstan.

In 2018, Cuevas was chosen as Tournament MVP finishing first scoring with 8 goals and 1 assist in 3 games, where she earned a total of 13 goals and 4 assists in 9 international competition games for the Philippines. 

In the 2019 IIHF Women’s Challenge Cup of Asia Division I, Cuevas played a pivotal role in the Philippines' gold medal victory. She led the tournament in scoring with 11 points and was named the Best Forward by the IIHF Directorate.