Hockey training, evenings at the restaurant, activities of all kinds… The war is far from the minds of the young people of the Ukrainian pee-wee hockey team, who are finally getting a semblance of “normal life”.
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“Being here as a team makes them forget all that a bit. [le conflit en Ukraine]», underlines in English the head coach of the team, Evgheniy Pysarenko, met in La Cage de Lebourgneuf.
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Impossible to win the smile on the faces of its players since they arrived in Quebec last Wednesday after a multitude of adventures to repatriate everyone.
Supported by families of volunteers who organize a variety of activities for them to get acquainted with life in Quebec between their two daily hockey practice sessions, they just don’t have time to catch their breath.
“They are excited but it’s my job to keep them focused on our upcoming games. Nevertheless, we came here to show what we can do!” says Mr. Pysarenko with a smile.
Multiple activities
On Saturday, little ones were treated to an all-inclusive meal at La Cage de Lebourgneuf before watching a Remparts game in the evening. The bomb warning sirens gave way to those of goals scored.
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“They wanted to experience a typical Québec sports restaurant, so I didn’t hesitate to invite them!” says Philippe Laroche, owner of the restaurant.
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They also got a taste of the Quebec chill when the vehicle that was supposed to pick them up after practice failed to start.
“We love it here, everyone is nice to us, but we find it a bit cold. We’ve never had -40 degrees in the Ukraine,” laughs the young Oleksii Bondarchuk, who would still like to visit the carnival in Quebec despite the cold.
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fries, gravy and cheese
After hockey, the cold, and the hospitality of Quebecers, young hockey players’ immersive experience wouldn’t be complete without trying our famous national dish. A great fries, gravy and cheese dish.
In fact, the word “Putin” is banned from the team’s entourage because of its resemblance to the Russian President’s name.
“We’re careful not to remind them of the horrors of war, but we’ll organize for them to taste it!” The coaches told us they couldn’t wait to try it out,” says François Robert, one of the volunteers hosting two young hockey players and organizing the outings.
Photo DIDIER DEBUS SCISSORS