Three hockey players from South Korea got a taste of physical, bruising brand hockey played in North America at the Dallas Stars' annual development camp.

Forward Jinhui Ahn, defenseman Wonjun Kim, and goaltender Kye Hoon Park are used to to the South Korean style that emphasizes skating, but in the North American game physicality is a high priority.

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Kim noted that this is desirable as the NHL players are huge and strong--an important observation as they ascertain the type of players they likely would face in the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, NHL.com reported. He added that the amazing experience is a confidence booster and improves their skills.

Ahn added that the experience motivates him although he hasn't visualized themselves being in the Olympics yet. He added that Korea's inclusion in the Olympic hockey event will raise awareness about the sport in their country.

Since South Korea is hosting the 2018 Olympics in PyeongChang 2018, they willget an automatic inclusion in the hockey event although they never qualified for it.

South Korea is ranked 23rd among the 49 hockey-playing countries, according to the New York Times.

Park, 23, plays for Korea University and participated in the Buffalo Sabres goalie camp before joining the Stars camp. 

Ahn and Kim, both 24, play for the Anyang Halla of Asia League Ice Hockey.

Kim also had a three years experience of junior hockey in Finland.

Stars general manager Jim Nill observed that the three Koreans were as good as everybody else in camp.

However, Nill said it's a daunting task for South Korea to do well in the Olympics , having to tangle with world powers Canada, Czech Republic, Sweden, Russians and Finland, but they have to start somewhere, the Sports Net reported..

They were invited to the camp, which allows prospects from various countries to sharpen their skills, by Nill at the prompting of Jim Paek, the first Korean to play in the NHL.

 Paek made his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1990 and was part of the team when they won the Stanley Cup in 1991.

He is now the South Korean national team coach as well as a director for the Korean Ice Hockey Association.

TagsSouth Korean hockey team, Dallas Stars, hockey camp, Jinhui Ahn, Wonjun Kim, Kye Hoon Park, PyeongChang 2018, 2018 Olympics