By Keith McAdams
Update June 27, 2014
The below comments were made to the press at the GSIM Office in Erzurum Turkey on 6/25/14. It was updated and distributed to the press on 6/27/14. It was translated to English to make sure there was no misunderstanding in the translation.
Turkish 14 Under National Championship
Erzurum GSK won all their matches in Kojeli and qualified for the championship game. There was a problem with the ice and the championship game was canceled.The Federation said, " they would contact us by phone when the game would be played. The TBHF told management most likely the game could not be played until September."
Let it be clear - The TBHF actions are political. This was the third time in two years the Federations made changes and did not tell us!
The Federation sent a fax after 5 pm on Tuesday, June 24, 2014. GSIM was closed! GSIM read the email Wednesday, June 25, 2014. The TBHF scheduled the game for Friday, June 27, 2014 at 1600. On Wednesday we tried desperately to make arrangement to get to Istanbul. We would have had to leave that afternoon to make the game. It is a 20 hour bus trip from Erzurum to Istanbul. It was impossible with the holiday to get a bus and two drivers. We offered to play the game any other day in Istanbul. The Federation refused to change the date. We spoke directly with Oktay Yavuzarslan from BOĞAZİÇİ. We were told arrangements were made last week. The Federation and BOĞAZİÇİ said they would not change the game.
In the press conference I want to remind BOĞAZİÇİ over the past three years, GSK accommodated BOĞAZİÇİ and changed games for them. Three years ago we changed the time of the game for a game - because they were missing some players. Last year, the time was changed for 18U. This year 18U playoff game was changed for BOĞAZİÇİ without even notifying GSK. Our team was dressing when we found out the game was changed. BOĞAZİÇİ or the Federation never even called us to tell us about the change! Furthermore this season GSK spent $3000 dollars to play BOĞAZİÇİ in Kojeli -BOĞAZİÇİ did not show up.
I told the press that BOĞAZİÇİ has a good team. BOĞAZİÇİ has a good organization. BOĞAZİÇİ have great players and parents. Oktay is a great coach; Oktay is a good person and friend. But I am sorry - BOĞAZİÇİ and the TBHF failed to demonstrate true sportsmanship. You robbed BOĞAZİÇİ children of a chance to win a championship with hard work and fair play.
The main objective of coaching should be to teach children fair play, work ethic and teamwork. Our philosophy with GSK is work hard in school; be a good person; be honest; Be a good friend; work together with others; Unfortunately the actions of TBHF proves these values mean nothing in Turkey. The Turkish Ice Hockey had stolen a championship away from GSK. The TBHF is teaching children that hard work and good character mean nothing!
On June 27, 2014 - BOĞAZİÇİ wrote a letter to the Federation. I did not see the letter. But according to management, "the letter stated BOĞAZİÇİ would not accept the championship under the terms set by the TBHF.'' I want to honor Oktay Yavuzarslan and Bogazici Hockey Club for supporting GSIM. But most importantly, they should be honored for showing good character. As I said; " Oktay Yavuzarslan and Bogazici are good people." The decision of Bogazici not to support the Federation is the correct and fair decision. Hopefully, the TBHF will work with the clubs for the good of the game.
Notes:
The court in Turkey has ruled two times the TBHF did not provide the correct delegate list to vote for the election. The TBHF election has been canceled two times.
The 14U Championships was moved from Ankara to Kojeli - Dropping participation by 10 clubs. Despite the fact that everyone knew there were ice problems. This was done to influence the election.
The TBHF submitted a third list of delegates for election - that being challenged in court. It looks like the election will be canceled third time.
Update June 27, 2014
BOĞAZİÇİ STEPS UP AND DOES RIGHT THING
(Great Job)
Great team and organization!
Izmir Büyükşehir Belediyesi -Great Job and Organization
Buz Korsanları - Great Job Young Kids and 14U
Always improving all clubs!
(Great Job)
Great team and organization!
Always improving all clubs!
Erzurum 18U Championship
The below comments were made to the press at the GSIM Office in Erzurum Turkey on 6/25/14. It was updated and distributed to the press on 6/27/14. It was translated to English to make sure there was no misunderstanding in the translation.
Turkish 14 Under National Championship
Erzurum GSK won all their matches in Kojeli and qualified for the championship game. There was a problem with the ice and the championship game was canceled.The Federation said, " they would contact us by phone when the game would be played. The TBHF told management most likely the game could not be played until September."
Let it be clear - The TBHF actions are political. This was the third time in two years the Federations made changes and did not tell us!
The Federation sent a fax after 5 pm on Tuesday, June 24, 2014. GSIM was closed! GSIM read the email Wednesday, June 25, 2014. The TBHF scheduled the game for Friday, June 27, 2014 at 1600. On Wednesday we tried desperately to make arrangement to get to Istanbul. We would have had to leave that afternoon to make the game. It is a 20 hour bus trip from Erzurum to Istanbul. It was impossible with the holiday to get a bus and two drivers. We offered to play the game any other day in Istanbul. The Federation refused to change the date. We spoke directly with Oktay Yavuzarslan from BOĞAZİÇİ. We were told arrangements were made last week. The Federation and BOĞAZİÇİ said they would not change the game.
In the press conference I want to remind BOĞAZİÇİ over the past three years, GSK accommodated BOĞAZİÇİ and changed games for them. Three years ago we changed the time of the game for a game - because they were missing some players. Last year, the time was changed for 18U. This year 18U playoff game was changed for BOĞAZİÇİ without even notifying GSK. Our team was dressing when we found out the game was changed. BOĞAZİÇİ or the Federation never even called us to tell us about the change! Furthermore this season GSK spent $3000 dollars to play BOĞAZİÇİ in Kojeli -BOĞAZİÇİ did not show up.
I told the press that BOĞAZİÇİ has a good team. BOĞAZİÇİ has a good organization. BOĞAZİÇİ have great players and parents. Oktay is a great coach; Oktay is a good person and friend. But I am sorry - BOĞAZİÇİ and the TBHF failed to demonstrate true sportsmanship. You robbed BOĞAZİÇİ children of a chance to win a championship with hard work and fair play.
The main objective of coaching should be to teach children fair play, work ethic and teamwork. Our philosophy with GSK is work hard in school; be a good person; be honest; Be a good friend; work together with others; Unfortunately the actions of TBHF proves these values mean nothing in Turkey. The Turkish Ice Hockey had stolen a championship away from GSK. The TBHF is teaching children that hard work and good character mean nothing!
On June 27, 2014 - BOĞAZİÇİ wrote a letter to the Federation. I did not see the letter. But according to management, "the letter stated BOĞAZİÇİ would not accept the championship under the terms set by the TBHF.'' I want to honor Oktay Yavuzarslan and Bogazici Hockey Club for supporting GSIM. But most importantly, they should be honored for showing good character. As I said; " Oktay Yavuzarslan and Bogazici are good people." The decision of Bogazici not to support the Federation is the correct and fair decision. Hopefully, the TBHF will work with the clubs for the good of the game.
Notes:
The court in Turkey has ruled two times the TBHF did not provide the correct delegate list to vote for the election. The TBHF election has been canceled two times.
The 14U Championships was moved from Ankara to Kojeli - Dropping participation by 10 clubs. Despite the fact that everyone knew there were ice problems. This was done to influence the election.
The TBHF submitted a third list of delegates for election - that being challenged in court. It looks like the election will be canceled third time.
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