Jamaica begin Challenger Trophy quest

Jamaica's quest to regain the Ice Hockey Challenger Series begins in Chicago today against Greece at the Fifth Third Ice Arena, starting at 8.10 p.m.

Greece defeated Jamaica in last year's series on their way to winning their first title. Jamaica’s coach Kevin Jordan, although aware of the strength of the Greeks, believes it will be a different game this year.

Jordan thinks the group they have assembled is the best in some time. He is confident they will be challenging for the cup, insisting that it is important to get off to a good start.

"Our first game is going to be against Greece and of the teams we have seen over the last few years, Greece has been on top of the list.

"They got a lot of experience, a lot of good players, they play a fast game. So it will be really important to fare well in that first game," he said.

"We came up just short against them in Chicago last year, but I think we are going to be in a different game this year.

"I am definitely confident of our ability and it's certainly important to start well. You don't want to start behind in this tournament."

The Jamaican team will have to do without top defenceman Maleek McGowan, who was contracted to National Hockey League (NHL) team, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for the 2026-27 season, however, Jordan is excited by the new talent available.

"I am feeling really good about the roster. We have a lot of returning players and a lot of new players. I think the team is going to gell quite well.

"It will probably be the best team that we've assembled since the Ottawa series (Canada 2024) and I feel really good about that. 

"We got folks from all over. Some we have done a lot of research on. A lot of players are new that I haven't met but certainly the skillset has been amplified compared to the teams past," he pointed.

His only concern is how efficient the team will be in front of goal.

"I am curious to see what our goal scoring is going to be like. We have some new players and it will be interesting to see how quickly they adapt in a tournament that is so quick.

"Every coach knows it's not how you show on paper what it looks like, it’s another thing to put the puck in the net when you are out there on the ice with a brand new team.

"Most of these guys have not played together, except for those in Chicago last year. So still seeing how quickly we can score goals. That will be one thing, but to guard against that, it will be about helping with team chemistry and aligning on a team plan."

The 2026 series will consist of six teams, increasing from four. Cuba and India have been added to Jamaica, Greece, Puerto Rico and Lebanon, and Jordan said no team can be underestimated.

"Every team is capable of beating any other team on any given day. I wouldn't want to look too far ahead of ourselves. We take it one game at a time and the first game is Greece. So we are going to be prepared for them."

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com