It is surprising that in the middle of deserts, under conditions of high temperatures, which do not drop under 30 degrees Celsius during the day even in December, we can meet with ice-hockey. In Dubai, there is one ice stadium (what else than an indoor one), where a fan can have pleasure of viewing this otherwise winter game being so successful for us, Czechs. We were watching the training of juniors, who are coached by Martin Koloc:
"In spring, when I joined this team, many of its members had problems keep their skates, and they were not capable to advance the puck at another player. Now, it is possible to see players, who are able to read the game situations and who start to cope with the rudiments of tactics. Inside two years, we would like to build the best team in U.A.E. (United Arab Emirates – editor’s remark). When I closely watch their hockey-mania (enthusiasm for hockey), I believe that we would be able to reach this goal."

Jan Kalivoda of Buggyra team assisted Martin Koloc in training the juniors: "I couldn’t even imagine that I would meet with ice hockey in Dubai. However, I have to say that local players, though they do not brim over with brilliant technique, have great potential in their commitment and dedication to the game. As they will master tactics, I think they will fall into the same category as, for instance, Italy, where I had been operating years ago for some time."

For the sake of completeness, it is necessary to add that even thought suntanned chaps in hockey outfit are looking somewhat unusually at the first glance, by their effort, eagerness, and zeal they do not differ from their counterparts in much more advanced hockey countries.