Mak eyes golden week as Hong Kong’s men begin bid to climb ice hockey rankings

Randy Mak never thought he would get the chance to play ice hockey in front of his home fans; now the Hong Kong forward is out to turn that energy into gold. After silver for the city’s under-18 men and a promotion-winning title triumph for the women’s team, it is the turn of the senior men to compete in the third of the IIHF World Championships being held in Discovery Bay. Hong Kong face North Korea, Luxembourg, Mongolia, Uzbekistan and the Philippines in the Division IIIB tournament, and Mak might be the most recognisable player on the ice. The 19‑year‑old is known not just for his skill as for the viral attention he attracted during last year’s Asian Winter Games, when photos and clips of him lit up social media in Hong Kong and mainland China. One post asking, “Who is team Hong Kong’s No 28? So handsome,” drew thousands of likes and comments, and quickly turned him into a surprising online talking point. “I did not expect it at all,” Mak said. “At first I did not even know people were posting about me – my teammates told me later. I am grateful for the support; it pushes me to play better and to be a good image for Hong Kong ice hockey.” The sudden fame also carried him beyond sport, and he has since signed with the same talent agency that represents footballer Matt Orr and has appeared at fashion events and photo shoots for magazines and brands. Mak said modelling and media work had been “a cool experience” that let him meet new people and explore his long‑time interest in fashion, though he admitted it also brought new pressure to maintain a good public image. This week marks Hong Kong’s first men’s world championship on home ice, something Mak described as “really exciting”. “It is the first time for most of us to compete internationally at home,” he said. “Everyone’s very motivated to play our best and make our city proud.” “I never thought the world championship at home would become a reality. It is really cool, and I am happy we’re able to do this. The Hong Kong women’s team set the tone last week by winning gold in the Women’s Division IIB World Championship at the same rink. “We are very happy for them,” Mak said. “Hopefully we can follow in their footsteps and bring double golds home.” Born and raised in Hong Kong, Mak began playing aged four after spotting ice hockey while walking around at MegaBox. “The gear and helmets looked so cool, that is why I initially played,” Mak recalled. “But later, I realised how unique the sport was – the team bond felt like a second family.” He moved with his family to Toronto at 14, training daily in one of the world’s most competitive hockey environments. “The level there is completely different,” Mak said. “In Hong Kong you only start full-contact hockey as an adult, but in Canada it begins around 14. The game is faster and far more physical, so I had to think and react quicker.” Mak said his skating and hockey IQ improved dramatically thanks to specialised coaching and daily practice which is difficult to replicate back home, where rink time is scarce. “The biggest challenge in Hong Kong is simply getting on the ice,” Mak said. “We do not have enough rinks and most are open to the public during the day. Kids who want to train seriously often have to use just a small section of the ice or move overseas to practise properly.” He added that while local coaches were capable, limited ice hours stifled player development. “I think the coaching ability in Hong Kong is good,” Mak said. “The only thing is that they do not have as much time to focus on individual players. The main difference is the amount of time you are able to stand on the ice.” Mak believes Hong Kong hockey is improving, crediting Sherman Chan Yan-wing, chairman of the Hong Kong, China Ice Hockey Association, for expanding tournaments and media coverage. “I think we are moving in a good direction,” Mak said. “There is much more support and social interest now, more leagues and games running every week.” However, unlike short-track skating or figure skating, ice hockey offers no professional pathway in Hong Kong. Mak, now majoring in kinesiology at York University, plays for the North York Rangers in Ontario’s Junior league and hopes to climb towards the college and professional levels. “If someone wants to play ice hockey seriously, moving to North America is still the best option,” Mak said. “But if there is a professional team in Hong Kong that wants me to play, I definitely would consider coming back and playing for them.”

Mak eyes golden week as Hong Kong’s men begin bid to climb ice hockey rankings

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Randy Mak and his teammates are playing in the IIHF World Championship Men’s Division IIIB this week

Randy Mak and his teammates are playing in the IIHF World Championship Men’s Division IIIB this week