Titel: Icing   Documentation Current state: Edit Direction: Mathias Allary Script: Mathias Allary

They seem to be tender and fragile - until they put on their accountrement. They sink into their tricots which seem to belong to their elder brothers.

Embattled with a helmet and a stick they turn to the ice where kids in pre-school and primary school age hunt for the puck. They fight and not seldom there is jostle, they fall or their stick brake. They are the offspring of MEKJ, the Munich Ice Hockey Union for kids and youth.

One winter the film accompanies the children during their training, their tournaments and contests. It shows the children`s different feelings as well as the sport´s particularity in different perspectives.

Playing instead of fighting

Growth and strength are only the visible characteristics of a ice hockey player. This sport is more than only fighting or playing. The children learn something about team-spirit, discipline and fun of doing sports. Without the overriding goal of winning the children have the opportunity to play, whether they play well or bad and whether they are small or tall.

Ice hockey as a way of life

Many players, who first were very shy or had a lack of self esteem gain much self-confidence through training. On ice they learn how to balance and to react as quick as a flash. It doesn´t matter how often they fall - every time they stand up again and keep going. An attitude that is very worthy in everyday life.

In the big ice hockey nations like Finland or Canada children are send to ballet before being allowed to play ice hockey. As well the Munich Ice Hockey Union attaches importance to balance, technique and tactics, which in particular means the ability of ice skating.

The plays seem to be rough, but as soon as the children turn off their protection they turn into little children again which are vulnerable and adorable.

In spite of having dark poker faces like the ice hockey professionals, the children show their emotions. Furthermore the coaches have to work in a different way as well. The Film opens up new perspectives and accompanies the children through rain, storm and snow until the spring begins and the season is over.