Where: Anyang Sports Complex

Registration: Ongoing

When: Every Sunday nights 9-11 p.m.

How much: 15,000 won/skate; 60,000 won/month

Online: charfull@yahoo.com

Beginning in 1999, Geckos hockey is the original expat hockey team in Korea, and according to players, it has always been about making new friends and being able to play a sport they grew up with. 

“In Korea, it provides a great opportunity to meet like-minded people, have a fun and competitive two hour skate, and then a few beers,” said Charles Fullerton, 33, player and president of the hockey team. “Many friendships that have extended far beyond their times in Korea have started on the ice. Players help one another both on and off the ice with the veterans guiding those fresh off the boat around the obstacles of life in Korea.”

Geckos have hosted international hockey tournaments (the Kimchi Pot) with teams from all over Asia. It has also competed in tournaments in Thailand, China, Mongolia, Russia, the Philippines and Japan. 

“Geckos players also dedicated their time and money to supporting Habitat for Humanity Korea. Every year, the team plays an inter-squad tournament for the Imjin River Cup,” said Fullerton, who has been in Korea for nine years. “The tournament is held in honor of the brave men and women of the Canadian Forces who fought in the Korean War and who played the first hockey game on the peninsula on the frozen Imjin in 1952.”

Full hockey gear is required. While they do not play body contact, there is always some incidental contact and the puck and sticks are very capable of causing bodily harm. The team suggests bringing equipment from home or ordering it online, as it is prohibitively expensive here.

Anyang Sports Complex can be reached from either Anyang or Indeogweon stations.

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