Sweden Crowned Champions in Chamonix's Charity Ice Hockey Match

This match has been played since 1987 between Cafe de La Plage - France (now Bar'd Up) and Chambre Neuf (Sweden) the series is level at 4 -4 I think but no one really knows, the results aren't the most important thing! However France won in 2007 7-8 after penalties and Sweden won in 2010 9-8 after penalties. The match has always been played to raise money for the kids hockey section and this year also for Le Sarcome de Julien.

After several years of absence from the Chamonix social calendar the teams decided to reinstate this great tradition in the form of a charity ice hockey match in order to raise funds in memory of a much loved Chamonix player who passed away last year. Julien's battle with cancer was a private one but one that has inspired family, friends, colleagues and ice hockey supporters in Chamonix to raise money in his name.

And so on a very wet Tuesday night the people of Chamonix made their way to the ice rink to watch the Swedish Vikings take on the French Cockerels. With an entry fee of just €5, all of which was donated to help various cancer charities and organisations, the crowds flooded into be entertained. And they were not disappointed!

From the very start when the teams lined up for the National anthems the atmosphere was buzzing. It seemed that the whole Scandinavian community had turned up in fancy dress to support the Swedish team, their whistles and drums almost drowning out the local French support from Chamoniards and seasonaires.

This was certainly one of the most entertaining matches I have seen, and not only because of the fantastic skills of both teams but also because there were several novelty moments. Injured players were assisted by the 'naughty Swedish nurses' who made their on to the ice with syringes full of alcohol, and a great 'fight scene' resulted in the two players being dragged across the ice to cool down in their respective sin bins!

With Team France having two of the Chamonix clubs highest scoring players on their side it seemed as though the advantage would be theirs...however, Team Sweden took control early on and eventually took the victory, France 7 - Sweden 11.

The festivities continued afterwards as the ever popular Chambre Neuf house band 'No Limits' played late into the night in La Lucarne (formerly known as the Podium) at the ice rink. To find out more about Julien, or to donate in his memory then please visit this website.

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*Update on 2nd April 2015 - The 700+ spectators raised 4555€ including contributions from sponsors and the gate receipts. 34 kegs of beer were drunk (1000 litres of beer) which beats the previous record of 15 for a League Magnus game!