Ukraine versus U of M Bisons game unites hockey fans and humanity – Winnipeg | 24CA News
Blue and yellow coated the gang at Canada Life Centre as hundreds of followers got here collectively for a sport between the University of Manitoba Bisons and the Ukrainian males’s nationwide staff. It was an occasion greater than hockey alone.
“It’s going to be a great cause for humanitarian aid for Ukraine, it’s a magnificent opportunity for the Under-25 to get some experience before the university games,” fan Taras Luchak stated. “It’s all good.”
Many Ukrainian gamers and coaches have quickly left their households at residence whereas they chase their hockey dream within the Hockey Can’t Stop tour.
“It’s hard mentally of course but we are trying to stay positive,” Ukrainian ahead Hleb Krivoshapkin stated. “We understand everything that is going on but we are trying to be professionals and we understand where we are going for what.”
This is the primary time this staff of Ukrainians has traveled to North America collectively. Playing on the opposite facet of the world means extra than simply enjoying one other sport.
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“It’s a very difficult time,” Ukrainian head coach Vadym Shakhraichuk stated. “We are here, we are safe.”
Monday’s sport began with a ceremonial face-off and was adopted by the Hoosli Ukrainian Male Chorus singing each nationwide anthems.
The sport served as a fundraiser to help Ukrainians enjoying hockey and it’s uniting followers on each groups.
“It’s very heartwarming to see it being so successful,” fan Mariana Sklepowich stated. “It’s really just lifting up your spirit and their spirit.”
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For the Ukrainian athletes, as a lot as enjoying hockey can function an escape, they’re nonetheless coping with the realities at residence.
“A couple days ago a missile hit 100 meters from my parents’ house,” Ukrainian goalie Savva Serdyuk. “They’re doing fine right now.”
But so long as the Ukrainian staff is on the highway, they’re making their nation and Canadians proud.
“We thought we would like to come out and support Team Ukraine because hockey can’t stop right?” fan Dan Skwarchuk stated.
The Ukrainians defeated the Bisons 5-1.
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