2011 WU Update: Turkish Women’s University Ice Hockey Team in Latvia

Team Turkey

ERZURUM – The Turkish Women’s University Ice Hockey Team is currently in Latvia to prepare for the Games and will continue to work there until December 10th, 2010. Coach Keith McAdams stated that working in Latvia has contributed in the development of the athletes in a very positive way. ‘Exhibition games against Latvian teams has really strengthen the works we have been conducting since for months’, the coach said.

Coach McAdams continued saying that ‘the team will compete against countries ranking at the highest level and the preparation matches which we are conducting at the moment will be a good experience for the athletes.’

So far, three exhibition games were played. There are 7 more matches planned during their stay in Latvia.Apart from the matches the athletes continue their intensive training program.

The first exhibition game was against Team ZEMGALE team which the Turkish women lost 3-1. Elif Ulaş scored the single goal for Turkey. Coach McAdams: ‘The second match was very important for the team in terms of morale and increased the motivation. Our team has defeated Team SAAGA by a score of 8-1. Although it was not an official competition it was the first time for the National Team to mark a victory, this is a big improvement and created a lot of happiness.’ The goals of this match were scored by Çağla Baktıroğlu, Yeliz Yüksel, Özlem Öz and Teksin Öztekin.

At the third game, once more against Team ZEMGALE Turkey was defeated 3-2. Turkish goals were scored by Çağla Baktıroğlu and Elif Ulaş.

(Source: 2011 WU Media Dept.)