The annual tournament in Europe is almost upon us and this year marks the 31st anniversary of traveling abroad to play hockey against teams from Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Iceland, Italy, and other countries throughout Europe. Almost every locker room in San Diego has a player in it that has made the trip and will share memories with his teammates of the times had in Europe.
This year the trip begins on March 28 and ends on April 9, 2025 beginning in Amsterdam and ending in Prague. In 13 days you will play 12 to 15 games, see 3 countries, meet plenty of fellow hockey players and friends from all over the world, and hang out in historic towns in Europe. Although this trip is filled with hockey, it is also a cultural and social trip in which you will mingle with locals from the towns we visit and people from all over the world.
The trip includes roundtrip airfare, hotels, ground transportation, 2 tournaments, exhibition games, trips to castles, opening and closing ceremonies in Czech, 2 Team USA jerseys (home and away) and socks, and a team bus to take us from Holland through Germany and into the Czech Republic. Hockey players and guests are welcome with plenty of activities for any kind of traveler. In Amsterdam you can choose to visit museums, take the water taxis through the canals, visit the red light district, hit the coffee shops, tour the breweries, and then dance all night long in the clubs. In Prague you will visit castles, see old town square, the astrological clock, walk the St. Charles Bridge, and enjoy one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
The price for the trip is $3000 for hockey players and $2850 for non-players. If you get your own airfare the cost is only $1700 for players and $1550 for non-players. I can help you organize a custom trip if you want to arrive early or stay longer to extend your vacation. Different payment plans are available on the website or through pay-pal or venmo or cashapp.
I can take up to 3 teams – an upper, middle, and a lower level team with maximum 13 skaters and 1 goalie per team. All talent levels from pro players to division 4 are welcome and we have at least 1 practice before leaving to establish who wants to play at which level.
For more info, check out the website – www.Hecklershockey.com or e-mail me at Brickpuck@aol.com.You can also call me at (619) 501-9968 with any questions about the trip.
-Chris Heaney
2025 Itinerary
Friday March 28
Depart San Diego from Lindbergh Field at approximately 8:00am.
SaturdayMarch 29
Arrive in Amsterdam approximately 7:00am. Vans will pick us up at the airport and take us to hotel. Explore the city during the day and enjoy some nightlife.
Sunday March 30
Bus departs to take us to Enschede. Tournament begins Saturday at 5:00pm and goes into the night.
Monday March 31
Tournament continues in the morning and throughout the day with championship in the evening.
Tuesday April 1
Day to explore the town of Enschede with a friendly match at night in mix game with local team.
Wednesday April 2
Tour of some windmills and a challenge game against the student team at night.
Thursday April 3
Bus ride to Klasterec nad Ohri in the Czech Republic. Explore Klasterec pubs at night.
Friday April 4
The 30th Annual World Amateur Tournament begins –we will play 8 games in 3 days. Explore Kadan or Karlovy-Vary during the day. Opening Ceremonies at 8:00 pm with party into the night.
Saturday April 5
Tournament resumes. Day trip to Hasistan- a castle ruins from the 14th century. At night, a tour of the clubs of Kadan and Klasterec.
Sunday April 6
Medal rounds of the tournament, Closing Ceremonies, and the event finale- the Galabend*.
Monday April 7
Bus to Prague, explore the city during the day and night.
Tuesday April 8
Second day in Prague. A day of sight seeing – Charles Bridge, Prague castle and other mysteries of the city.
Wednesday April 9
Painful return home.
To secure a spot on the trip, a $100 deposit is due by December 30, 2023.
Another $1200 is due by January 15, 2024.
And the balance is due by February 15, 2024.