Colombia wins Pan-American tournament

One year ago Colombia surprised the world of hockey winning a bronze medal in the opening edition of Pan-American tournament, in its first ever appearance in a icehockey competition. This year Colombian caused a real shock, winning the tournament with a perfect record, beating home-side and favourite Mexico, the only partecipating country with a regular activity as IIHF member. The campaign of winners included blanked victories against Argentina (8-0), Mexico U17 (6-0), Brazil (3-0) and Argentina B (12-0) before the last exploit against Mexico, a 4-3 at shoot-outs. As in opening edition, forward Daniel Echeverri, a Colombian/American playing at the Florida Gulf Coast University in ACHA Division 2, was the star of the team, lead by American coach Sam Uisprapassorn.

Mexico disappointingly finished second as in the first edition, but this year, without Canada, was considered the clear favourite. Forward Brian Arroyo, a player with experiences in Estonia, Finland and Ukraine, was the top scorer of the tournament with 21 points (16+5) in 5 games.

Brazil claimed bronze with a very positive campaign after the terrible debut last season with a 0-5 record. This year Brazilian team won three games, included two against arch-rival Argentina, loosing honorably (0-3) with Colombia and doubtless with Mexico (1-11).

Not a great tournament for two Argentinian team, A and B squad, finished at the bottom of the table, with just the victory in the fratricidal game, won 2-1 by Argentina A

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