Young Ukrainian hockey players’ dream stay in Quebec continued on Tuesday when the team was received at the Bell Center for the game between the Canadiens and the Chicago Blackhawks.
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Photo Martin Chevalier
The Ukraine team had the privilege of watching the teams warm up from the Canadian bench.
In an enviable position for the warm-up, from the bench of CH, representatives of Ukraine were warmly applauded in the first period as they were presented on the big screen. Cole Caufield and Brendan Gallagher, injured, visited them in the boxes during the game.
Photo agency QMI, Thierry Laforce
Head coach Martin St-Louis shook hands with his Ukrainian counterpart Yegueniy Pysarenko and exchanged a few words.
“Meeting National Hockey League players is a dream come true for them. They are excited and it’s nice to see,” said the head coach of the Ukrainian team Yegueniy Pysarenko.
Photo agency QMI, Thierry Laforce
Jonathan Drouin took a moment for each little pee and signed autographs.
“A little joy in your life”
In the morning, the participants of the Tournoi Pee-Wee de Québec could take part in the training. Various players, including captain Nick Suzuki, took the time to meet them and sign autographs.
Photo agency QMI, Thierry Laforce
“It gives them a moment to forget what’s happening in Ukraine,” commented striker Jonathan Drouin after spending a good ten minutes with the young hockey players. I enjoy taking time for her, it’s easy for me. It must be good for them to have a day like this. »
Photo agency QMI, Thierry Laforce
“It puts things into perspective,” noted Jordan Harris, whose father also coaches Tournoi Pee-Wee de Québec. We’re sometimes nervous before a hockey game, but we don’t live in a war like in Ukraine. It was great to see her in the stands [durant l’entraînement]. Little ones need a little joy in their lives. »
Photo agency QMI, Thierry Laforce
Unlimited food and drink
Photo agency QMI, Thierry Laforce
Thanks to those in charge of the ALBI le Géant group, including President Denis Leclerc and Vice-President Louise Villeneuve, the young Ukrainians were able to watch the evening game from the company’s two boxes.
Photo agency QMI, Thierry Laforce
“It allows them to step away a little from what they live in their country,” Mr Leclerc said. There is nothing better than the atmosphere of the Bell Center. »
During their visit to the Bell Center, the 25 members of Team Ukraine Select were treated to VIP treatment with unlimited food and drinks. They all also received a Canadiens jersey.
Photo agency QMI, Thierry Laforce
In addition to welcoming young Ukrainians, the organization of Canadians celebrated Black History Month on Tuesday night by wearing a special jersey during the warm-up. This was also the main topic of the evening.