Calgary, Alberta – Wednesday, March 13, 2024: In the spirit of friendship between two great hockey nations, the Calgary Canucks invite the Ukraine U18 National Team for a training camp, fundraiser and exhibition games against the Alberta U18 All-Star Team. “It’s a privilege to assist in bringing these young men together in Canada and provide them with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will influence them forever,” says Sandy Edmonstone, Chair & President Calgary Canucks Junior A Hockey Club. “Equally important is the positive impact that the Canucks will have on the Calgary Ukrainian community and the country of Ukraine as they cheer on their team at the World Championship in April. Without the Calgary community, the Canucks do not exist, and we are grateful to be able to give back.”
The trip is a crucial opportunity for Ukraine’s best U18 players to prepare for the 2024 IIHF World Championship in Denmark. Because of the war, this will be the first training camp for many of these promising players who represent the future of Ukrainian hockey. According to Head Coach Aleksandr Bobkin, “Giving players a chance to shine in this highly competitive environment will help us finalize the roster for the U18 2024 IIHF Championship.”
To aid the Ukrainian Ice Hockey Federation, Hockey4Ukraine is a special project initiated by TSN sportscaster Gord Miller with the support of the Calgary Canucks. “We are extremely grateful to Gordon and the Calgary Canucks for this invitation, it means the world to us,” says President Ice Hockey Federation of Ukraine, George Zubko. “We know that this group of young players has a lot of potential, and this will be an incredible opportunity to see them play, come together and learn in this World Championship Camp.”
All proceeds support the U18 Ukraine National team development camp and Ukrainian Hockey Dream Foundation, helping Ukrainian children’s hockey schools continue to operate in Central and Western Ukraine. The people of Ukraine need your support, we ask you to attend the games and donate to help Ukrainian kids stay on the ice. You can donate here through Sport for Calgary: https://sportforcalgary.com/donate
“I’m delighted to be involved with once again bringing a Ukrainian national hockey team to my home province of Alberta,” remarked Gord Miller, TSN Sportscaster & Ukrainian Hockey Dream Honorary Board Member. “Last year’s tour by the U25 team was a huge success, and now the U18 team will have the ability to prepare for the upcoming IIHF Div 1A Championship. Many thanks to the Calgary Canucks, Sport For Calgary, Hockey Calgary, our sponsors and countless others who have made this possible.”
Exhibition Games at Ken Bracko Arena, Max Bell Centre
The Alberta U18 All-Star Team will play Ukraine National U18 Team during two Exhibition Games at Max Bell Centre on Wednesday, March 27 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, March 30 at 12:30 pm. Tickets are available online: https://www.showpass.com/hockey4ukraine/. The games will also be broadcast live on HNlive.ca: https://video.hnlive.ca/en/hockey-4-ukraine.7725
Generous Sponsors Making a Difference
The success of Hockey 4 Ukraine is made possible by the generous support of presenting partners Calgary Canucks, Hockey Calgary, the Ice Hockey Federation of Ukraine and the Mitchell Foundation. Additional support comes from event sponsors Adrenaline Source for Sports, Kyiv Capitals, Innovecs, and Tim Hortons. Supporters include Evans Hunt, HN Live, and Showpass, while patrons and associates include Sport for Calgary Foundation, Ukrainian Canadian Congress, and the Ukraine Ministry of Youth and Sports.
About Us
Calgary Canuck Junior A Hockey Club –– Founded in 1971, the community-owned Calgary Canucks are the oldest operating hockey franchise in Calgary and the AJHL. The organization has experienced a rich and successful history, including 11 regular season titles, nine AJHL championships, two Doyle Cup titles and one Centennial Cup National Junior A Championship. (www.calgarycanucks.ca)
About Hockey 4 Ukraine
Hockey 4 Ukraine is a collaborative effort between the Calgary Canucks and TSN sportscaster Gord Miller to support the Ukrainian Ice Hockey Federation and the Ukrainian Hockey Dream Foundation. The U18 National Team Camp is a symbol of unity, resilience, and the power of sports in overcoming challenges.
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Media Inquiries
Morgan Melnyk
Vice-President, Marketing & Media
Calgary Canucks Junior A Hockey Club
mmelnyk@calgarycanucks.ca
www.calgarycanucks.ca
Aleksandra Slatvytska
Vice-President
Ice Hockey Federation of Ukraine
a.slatvytska@fhu.com.ua
www.fhu.com.ua
