On Saturday afternoon the team had a video session at the hotel, as you can see there was just enough space for everyone to squeeze into the room!

Afterwards they were off to the Kanayama Sports Center for their final training session, and first visit to the tournament venue.

In the evening Coach Christian Bertschinger and Team Manager Anna Kibblewhite went along to a tournament briefing while back at the hotel the boys enjoyed a large dinner in preparation for their first game. NZ play Australia in the opening game of the tournament at 16:00 NZST this afternoon (Sunday 18th!). You can watch the live stream on IFF YouTube Channel 1 here. 

 

The plan for today is breakfast, before the team heads off on a captain's run and then it's time to go to the Kanayama Sports Center for the opening ceremony and GAME ONE!

 

This is only the second time NZ has entered a Men's U19 team into the World Floorball Championship Qualification (WFCQ) tournament. Back in 2014 Japan qualified directly for the 2015 World Floorball Championship (WFC) and NZ played a two match series against Australia, in Sydney, for the second qualifying spot. The first game was a 4-4 draw, however Australia won the second game 8-2 and qualified for the WFC. Of the 16 teams competing in the 2015 WFC, Australia placed 14th and Japan 16th.

 

This tournament will be the first appearance for Iran in a Men's U19 WFCQ, so it will be interesting to see them play. Iran face Japan in their first game at 19:00 NZST tonight, you can watch the live stream here.

 

Check out the NZ Men’s U19 team page for more info and links to their upcoming games.

 

You can also follow Floorball NZ on facebook, for updates on the go!