Denmark Hockey Club Visits The SHSHL

By Matt Sacks

The Herning Ice Hockey Club flew all the way to the states to see how they stacked up against some North American talent. Turns out, they stack up pretty well.

The first stop was a game against the SHSHL (Suburban League) All-Stars. It was clear during the early stages that neither team knew just what to expect from the other. But after a few minutes of feeling each other out, it seemed both teams knew that they could skate with the other, and would not be overmatched.

Team Herning got the scoring started when defenseman Casper Hoeholt took a pass from Rasmus Tarbensen and was able to beat SHSHL goalie David Amen (Souderton) for the 1-0 lead. The SHSHL would strike back late in the first when C.B. South’s Nick DiMarino scored at the 2:57 mark of the first 20 minute frame.

Four and a half minutes into the second period, Anders Poulsen put Team Denmark ahead 2-1 with assists going to Casper Kristensen and Nikolaj Jensen. It appeared Herning would take a 2-1 lead into the final 20 minute stanza, but then the SHSHL exploded for two goals in a 50 second span to end the second period. First it was Harrison Welch, assisted by C.B. South’s Andrew Smith and Pennridge teammate A.J. Moyer. Then with less than a minute left in period two, Soudertons Mike McCarthy scored from Wissahickon’s Jayson Ritchey and McDevitt’s Joey Pisko. The 2-1 deficit quickly turned into a 3-2 lead for the local all-stars.

At the halfway point of the second period Ryan Echevarria (Upper Dublin) relieved Aman after Aman made 15 saves while facing 17 shots. “Echie” would also yield two goals to Herning, both in the third period by Simon Dalsgaard resulting in the game tying and the game winning goals. Jacob Ravnsgaard played all 60 minutes in net for Herning, stopping 28 of the SHSHL’s 31 shots.

Herning was here as the guests of Quakertown High School. The Quakertown families graciously hosted team Denmark while they were in PA.

The teams tour guide, Mike Freed, was very happy with the outcome of the trip. “I've arranged soccer trips for both the boys and girls teams at Quakertown HS over the past few years, so when I was asked to look after this hockey group,
the Quakertown organization embraced the idea enthusiastically and did a wonderful job in providing host families, the friendly matches and some social events. 

"I think it was a great experience for everyone involved. I find that with programs like this, kids learn that despite coming from different countries and cultures, they have far more in common than they do differences, and that their common love of a sport is a perfect bridge to understanding each other.”

Team Herning also played a scrimmage game the following day against the Quakertown varsity which resulted in a lopsided Herning victory. After the two games in Hatfield, Herning travelled to New York City to do some site-seeing and eventually end up in Niagra Falls. It was then off to Toronto for a few more scrimmages against North American competition.

Dan Jensen, the team's coach, moved to Denmark from Canada 18 years ago. The teams they are visiting (north of Toronto) are from the area where Jensen grew up and played as a youth.

The origins of the Herning hockey club go back to 1947. In the beginning the Arena was an outdoor facility. But due to the Danish climate, the season was very short. Herning went four whole years before even notching their first victory in 1951. At that time the club had only about 20 members, mostly adults. Now 50 years later, the club is 400 members strong and is considered to be the cream of the Danish hockey community.

A big step in the progress of team Hernings success came in 1988 when a new indoor facility was erected. Unlike most arena’s, this one was built and is owned and operated by Herning Club members, making it more assessable to Herning players. In 2004 a new practice facility was opened, doubling the available ice time for Herning members.

Hockey in Denmark has taken big steps in the past few years, both in the number of active players as well as the level of competition played at the international level. The Senior National team competed alongside Canada and the USA in 2003.That’s a big feat considering there are only about 5000 players playing hockey in Denmark at all age levels.

Coach Dan Jensen hails Richmond Hill Ontario. Jensen Played three years of Junior hockey for the Peterborough Petes, Where he was teammates with former Philadelphia Flyers such as Mike Ricci, Luke Richardson, Mark Freer, Glen Seabrook and Jody Hull.