Cultural Exchange

2007/2008 Swedish Friendship Exchange (Bantams and Midgets)

We are working on a continuation of our wonderful exchange with Sweden. Plans are being completed for a week's trip August 11 (leave USA in the late afternoon) through August 19 (arrive USA around 6:00 pm). The players will stay with families and will skate each day. Both practices and a few games will be held. There will be a cultural program so the players will return with a good understanding of the Swedish people and how they live and what they think. We will return the favor next spring around Easter. All players making these select teams will be expected to make the trip and to reciprocate the hospitality.

The cost of the trip is approximately $1,200 for airfare and $200 for TCE incidental items. Other than $50 for incidental items, the host family takes care of everything else. The coaches' travel is paid for by Mr. Carr and their housing is provided by the Swedes as we do the same on their return. Another $200 will be required next April to help pay for the ice and the housing for their coaches.

This is a wonderful opportunity for our players to meet and to make new friends and to also get to know their teammates. This is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I want EVERY child to go. Whatever issues there might be, we can make it happen. One of the greatest parts of the Tri-City Eagles is this program (ask anyone who has been lucky enough to participate). Dr. Anders Lundin who started the exchange program in 1989 has a son who will be participating, and I am certain it will be one of the best exchanges ever.

Swedish Friendship Exchange History

Tri-City considers the exchange with our friends in Sweden to be one of the cornerstones of our extraordinary youth hockey program.

Our special relationship with several communities in Sweden started in September, 1989 when the fore-runner of the Tri-City Eagles (the Junior Caps) went to Hammaro, Sweden and Moscow, Russia with the Washington Capitals (NHL) team.The team created by Caps President Dick Patrick included Jeff Halpern and future TCE player Billy Carr and acting as Stick Boy TCE Co-founder and General Manager Clai Carr. The team was in Sweden for five days and Moscow for five days. Also on the trip was Dr. Anders Lundin who developed the model of on ice and off ice activities of friendship.

Subsequent Visits:

• 1993 (December 25-31)- Midgets to Tyringe
• 1998 (December 25-31)-Midgets to Hammaro and Farjestad 2000 (April 15-22)- Hammaro visits TCE
• 2001 (April 8-16)- Hammaro visits TCE
• 2001 (August 12-18) Midgets visit Hammaro and Pee wees visit Schillingaryd
• 2002 (March 28-April 4) Hammaro visits TCE
• 2003 (August 11-15)- Bantams to Hassleholm
• 2005 (August 12-19)- Midgets to Borlange
• 2006 (April 13-21) Borlange visits TCE
• Bantams and Midget Blue (U 16 AA) travels to Tyringe August 12- 19, 2007
• Tyringe teams travel to US April 8- 15, 2008 (approximate dates)

A wonderful tradition of joy, knowledge and friendship! And that's the reason our midgets wear the crossed American and Swedish flags on their game jerseys.