Ukrainian girls team finds hockey haven at Wickenheiser festival in Calgary

A group of young Ukrainian girls’ hockey players has made a remarkable journey to Canada for a few days of peace and hockey in Calgary. The Ukrainian Wings, aged 11 to 13, traveled for 56 hours to reach Calgary, with a challenging 24-hour bus ride from Dnipro to Warsaw, Poland, that even required an army escort at one point. The team will be participating in Wickfest, an annual girls’ hockey festival organized by Hayley Wickenheiser, a legendary Canadian hockey player.

The Ukrainian Wings were selected from eight cities in Ukraine, where sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. Many of the players have personal stories of hardship and loss, making their trip to Canada a much-needed respite from the difficult circumstances back home.

Wickenheiser, who is the assistant general manager of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs, has been organizing Wickfest since 2010. This year, she welcomed the Ukrainian team with open arms, recognizing the importance of providing them with a week of peace and joy amidst challenging times.

One of the players, Kateryna Seredenko, shared how the team’s home ice arena in Kharkiv was destroyed during the conflict. Despite the challenges they have faced, Seredenko believes that the trip to Calgary will give the girls hope and inspiration for the future.

The Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health played a crucial role in arranging visas and covering the team’s travel expenses. CEO Julia Anderson emphasized the importance of supporting girls’ participation in sports as a symbol of health and empowerment.

The Ukrainian Wings’ journey to Canada is not the first instance of Ukrainian teams seeking refuge in the country due to the war. Previously, an under-25 men’s team and other Ukrainian teams have participated in hockey tournaments in Canada, showcasing their talent and resilience on an international stage.

The trip to Wickfest in Calgary is a significant milestone for the Ukrainian girls’ team, offering them a glimpse of how hockey is played in Canada and inspiring them to pursue their dreams in the sport. Despite the challenges they have faced, the girls are determined to make the most of their time in Canada and showcase their skills on the ice.