Ukraine versus U of M Bisons game unites hockey fans and humanity
Global News
To train in safer conditions, the U25 Ukrainian national hockey team came to Canada and wrapped up it's tour against the University of Manitoba Bisons.
Blue and yellow covered the crowd at Canada Life Centre as thousands of fans came together for a game between the University of Manitoba Bisons and the Ukrainian men’s national team. It was an event bigger 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 said. “It’s all good.”
Many Ukrainian players and coaches have temporarily left their families at home while they chase their hockey dream in the Hockey Can’t Stop tour.
“It’s hard mentally of course but we are trying to stay positive,” Ukrainian forward Hleb Krivoshapkin said. “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 first time this team of Ukrainians has traveled to North America together. Playing on the other side of the world means more than just playing another game.
“It’s a very difficult time,” Ukrainian head coach Vadym Shakhraichuk said. “We are here, we are safe.”
Monday’s game started with a ceremonial face-off and was followed by the Hoosli Ukrainian Male Chorus singing both national anthems.
The game served as a fundraiser to support Ukrainians playing hockey and it’s uniting fans on both teams.