A group of young Victorian hockey players have travelled across the world to compete in Russia’s 10-team Tretiak Cup.
The tournament runs from August 2nd to August 7th, pitting the Victoria Grizzlies against international opposition.
For the latest updates on the team’s progress, follow the Victoria Grizzlies on Twitter.
Victoria Team Bolstered by Foreign Recruits
Victoria’s entry comes with a slight twist, however, as coach Craig Didmon will welcome a player each from Czech Republic and Japan to round out the roster.
With the two foreign recruits speaking zero English, Didmon and his Victoria-based squad will have to rely on the international language of ice hockey.
“I think they’ll have to get comfortable and adapt. They’re a very good calibre… I think having an international flavour on the team is going to be another learning experience and an added bonus too,” Didmon told vicnews.com.
Culture and Competition
Players will also get to explore the local scenery, with chances to visit the Kremlin and take in a Russian Circus.
Apart from a opportunities for sightseeing, the tournament will largely be a competitive environment to battle against mostly European opponents.
“It’s a AAA tournament and we are one of the two teams representing Canada,” said Didmon, noting that a team from Ontario will be heading over as well. “We’re going to have to adapt to the bigger rink and it’ll be foreign for them. We’ve got to put all the distractions aside and hopefully get down to business.”
