Omar Al Shamsi thrilled after Abu Dhabi Storms beat Parta in capital

Home team beat side from Czech Republic to get campaign in UAE Ice Hockey President’s Cup off to perfect start

Abu Dhabi Storms player Omar Al Shamsi was pleased with his team's performance on Wednesday night. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Abu Dhabi Storms beat Parta 6-3 to get their campaign in the UAE Ice Hockey President’s Cup off to a perfect start on Wednesday.

Artsiom Karkotski scored twice and Borna Silovic once for the home team after the Czech Republic side levelled 3-3 early in the final period of play at the Zayed Sports City Ice Rink.

“It was a close game,” Storms player Omar Al Shamsi said. “The exchanges were even in the first two periods, but we got control of it in the last 10 minutes of the final period.”

Al Shamsi said he was pleased to see his team had raised the bar from previous years.

“We played Parta last year as well, but this side was definitely much better,” he added. “We can see every team in this competition getting stronger."

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UAE international Al Shamsi also lauded those teammates who play a semi-professional level. “Our side includes a lot of foreigners who play as semi-professionals in the domestic Emirates Hockey League, and tonight they showed real character to win the game for us,” he said.

Earlier, the Belarus President’s Team began their title defence with a 6-1 triumph over the Old Timers from Germany in the opening game. Meanwhile, Slovenian side Stars overcame Jets of Czech Republic 8-5.

The annual club tournament ends on Saturday, with the final slated to be played at 8pm.