No detail has been left to chance on the jersey that Team Ukraine Select will wear at the Tournoi International de Hockey Pee-Wee de Québec starting Saturday. It was Quebecer Sean Bérubé who came up with the concept and he agreed to describe it to us.
• Also read: Ukrainian pee-wee players invited to the Bell Center next week
• Also read: “These young people live their NHL”: Ukrainians are treated like stars in the Tournoi Pee-Wee de Québec
Homage to Ukrainian culture
Red patterns placed on the collar and sleeves are reminiscent of the “vyshyvanka”, a traditional Ukrainian embroidery shirt. “When Russia invaded Ukraine, they wanted to wipe out Ukrainian culture. It should show that they exist and that we are proud of them,” says Sean Bérubé. By the way, all Ukrainian coaches will wear the vyshyvanka for matches.
- Listen to the interview with Patrick Dom, General Manager of Tournoi International de Hockey Pee-Wee de Québec on QUB radio:
The complete map of Ukraine
At the bottom of the jersey is the map of Ukraine, “with Crimea’s Donbass!” Sean Bérubé proudly adds.
Zelensky’s fist
In the center of the jersey is a fist, which represents the sign that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy often used as a sign of resistance during his various speeches. “It’s a symbol of the challenge Ukrainians face,” says Sean Bérubé.
Glory to Ukraine!
The Ukrainian expression “Слава Україні!”, pronounced Sláva Ukrayíni!, means “Glory to Ukraine”. This phrase has become a symbol of the Ukrainian resistance worldwide. “Every time he talks to the players, the coach says ‘Glory to Ukraine’. Then all the players answer ‘Glory to our Fatherland’.”
The coat of arms of Ukraine
The “Coat of Arms of Ukraine”, the symbol of the country, was also added to each sleeve.