A Ukrainian girls hockey team arrives in Calgary for sport, leaving behind their war-torn country, temporarily.
Among the arrivals is 13-year-old, Myroslava Reshetnova, who is from Dnipro.
Her family sent her away to Sweden to protect her from the war in Ukraine… a place she still misses
“[It’s a] big and beautiful city… and they stay now — my family, my grandmother and grandfather — Yeah, I miss them,” she said.
Competing in the Wickfest Female Hockey Festival, at a number of arenas throughout Calgary, including the Great Plains rink, the Ukrainian Wings U-13 hockey team is comprised of team members from eight different cities across Ukraine.
Being able to practice is a challenge for these girls since their sports facilities have been either damaged or destroyed since Russia’s invasion began almost two years ago.
“Before war in Kharkiv, we had two ice arenas, they were bombed. We had two swimming pools, they were bombed,” explained Wings general manager Kateryna Seredenko.
Tournament founder, Olympian Hayley Wickenheiser says she couldn’t help but be emotional, knowing the dangerous circumstances these young ladies will soon return to.
“It is going to be hard to put them on a plane to send them home but at the same time they have families and loved ones there,” she said. “I’m hopeful that this message that they’re spreading here in Canada is a beacon of hope for everyone.”
Once the Calgary tournament wraps up on Dec. 1, the journey back to Ukraine will begin, leaving behind memories, friendships, and peace.