Undermanned Manila Predators win silver in Hong Kong hockey tilt

The Manila Predators hockey team brought home the silver medal in the recently concluded 2012 Mega Ice Hockey 5's tournament in Hong Kong. After winning the gold medal last year in the Asian B Division of the same tournament, the Predators moved up this year to the tougher Asian A Division. "Federico Cadiz, the coach and manager of the Predators, is optimistic that with this year's showing, the Predators now know that they belong in the higher Asian A Division and will certainly be going for the gold next year," the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday. The hockey tournament was held at the MegaBox mall in Kowloon Bay from April 30 to May 12. While the Predators initially expected to use this year's tournament to gain exposure and experience, the Predators shocked fans by upsetting the top-seeded Hong Kong Hitmen, 2-0, during the penalty shootout of their semifinal match. The Predators barged into the finals against the second-ranked Hong Kong Young Nationals but fell short of topping the tournament. "With only nine players in their line up, fatigue finally caught up with the Predators, and they settled for silver," the DFA said. - AMD, GMA News