Despite a challenging first semester that ended with a three and nine record, the NAIT men's hockey team bounced back in a big way last weekend, sweeping the Concordia Thunder with two wins.

With the ACAC playoffs being their primary goal, the team never shies away from a challenge, seeking out new competition wherever it may come from, even from across the world. 

The Chinese men's national team makes a stop at NAIT to take on our men's team this Friday and Saturday for an exhibition game against the Ooks. Looking to gain experience under both of their belts, both teams will look to make the most of this exhibition, with Team China set to continue its tour against Augustana, Portage, Briercrest, and Concordia in the days ahead.

Scott Fellnermayr, Head coach of the NAIT men's hockey team, reflected on how the exhibition came into fruition, "Perry Pearn is the Head Coach of the Chinese men's national team and he coached at NAIT in the 80s and early 90s…he won seven national championships," he states. With Coach Pearn's "14-year" track record at NAIT, Coach Fellnermayr said getting the deal done was a smoother process, "Perry and I chatted this summer again he's alumni with NAIT so he comes to our golf tournaments", he notes. Instead of being a hassle, the exhibition plans came together even better than anticipated.

Facing a unique style and one unlike anything else in the ACAC, Coach Fellnermayr embraced the challenge without hesitation, "I just tell our team like we focus on our habits. We focus on our structure and we do our things the best that we can", Coach Fellnermayr states, sharing his confidence in the team as they prepare for the upcoming exhibitions. 

Heading into the weekend against an unfamiliar foe, the NAIT Ooks men's hockey team carries a sense of quiet confidence. The first game against the Chinese men's national team is on Friday at 2 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m. Don't miss the action, come out and support both teams!