The Bell Capital Cup continued Saturday with even more teams making their debut appearances.
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The U13 AA Karawanken Bears from Austria were on the ice at the Nepean Sportsplex early Saturday morning. The team also consists of players from Slovenia and Croatia.
It was a full-day trip for the players and their parents, who came out in support, but for Skyler Furey, the trip isn't unfamiliar.
Furey's parents were both born in Canada but now live in Austria where he also resides. While his parents were unable to make the trip to Ottawa, his grandfather, who lives in the city, was at the game supporting him.
"It's nice to come back to Canada once in a while," Furey said. "We battled really good and it was a tough game."
The Bears defeated the Cumberland Jr. Grads 5-3.
A few hours later, the Greater Bay Tigers stepped onto the ice.
The team consisting of players from Hong Kong, Southern China and Taiwan, got their first taste of action in the tournament.
Most of the players arrived in the city days before the event due to travel times.
Tigers owner Gregory Smyth says he cherishes being able to come back to Canada and see his team competing against the best.
"It's an eye opener, to see how good the hockey is," Smyth said.
"We're competitive too, and I think that's probably an eye opener for some of the local teams here as well because these kids can skate, shoot and pass. They did well today."
Smyth says the team has enjoyed the festivities during the opening ceremonies at Hockey Fest and are treating the boys to a couple of World Junior games in the city, including Canada versus the United States on New Years Eve.
More international teams also got underway today including many from the United States and the defending Division A champions from Slovenia, who played a friendly game in Rockland.
The tournament runs until Dec. 31.
