Moscow, RU – Following their journey that began Saturday when they departed Ottawa, Canada at 10:30PM, and also included a 3-hour layover in London, UK on Sunday morning, the Ottawa Capitals finally arrived in Moscow following 14-hours of travel late Sunday night. The team would sit down for a late dinner at the Moscow Aerostar Hotel before getting some well-deserved rest.
Fast-forward Monday morning -> the alarms went off bright and early and a day of work and adventure began. After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, the players were antsy to get back on the ice for their first ice session overseas. Head Coach Mark Grady, and Assistants Ian MacInnis and Dan Sauve put the players through a solid practice at the Soviet Wings Sports Palace. The players would go through some flow drills to get their legs back under them, followed by forecheck, breakout, and transition drills while also working on their special teams systems.
Later in the day the team would take part in an excursion to the Red Square where they would tour the Grand Kremlin Palace.
A strong symbol of two vigorous imperial cultures, that of medieval Muscovy and of the Soviet Union, the Kremlin is as captivating as it is foreboding, a blend of luxurious riches and forbidding mystery. From medieval citadel to a modern power centre, the Kremlin has played a dominant role in Russian life for over 800 years. Today it is known more for its tourism, which includes the Kremlin Museum, one of the largest and most fascinating museums in the world. It is also the home residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Following the tour inside the Kremlin, the players and staff would explore further into the Red Square to take in some more Russian culture before they headed back to their hotel for dinner and another well-deserved sleep.
The Capitals will take on MHC Krylya Sovetov tomorrow (Wednesday) at 1PM (6AM ET) in a pre-tournament exhibition match-up live from The Soviet Wings Ice Palace. Follow along on Twitter @TheCCHL for live-game updates.
For more information:
Sean Marcellus
Director of Hockey Operations |
Central Canada Hockey League
snmarcellus@gmail.com
