Olympic hockey comes to Brennan Park

Russia and Switzerland's women's Olympic hockey teams are inviting the community to watch a practice game at Brennan Park Arena on Wednesday (Feb. 10). Admission is free and the game starts at 3 p.m.

The Russians are coming, the Russians are coming… and they're bringing sticks to play the Swiss!

All those who missed out on Olympic hockey tickets need not panic, the Russian and Swiss Olympic women's hockey teams are facing off right here at Brennan Park Arena on Wednesday (Feb. 10) to play a final warm-up game before the Winter Games get underway in Vancouver.

Better yet, admission is free to watch some of the world's best female hockey players sharpen their skills for the big show.

The teams could have chosen to run a closed practice but decided that inviting locals to share the experience would benefit both Squamish residents and the players, said Team Switzerland manager Philipp Steiner in an email.

“[It's] to give the audience of Squamish the possibility to see two of the Olympic teams playing before the tournament and to bring the Olympic feeling to Squamish. And for our players, to have the game with spectators [and] to have the atmosphere of international games, too,” he said.

Although the game will be a “friendly,” it's Russia and Switzerland's final chance to make adjustments before Olympic competition begins Feb. 13.

“It will be the last test, preparation for the tournament, to see how the setup of lines is working. Therefore, [it's] very important for us,” said Steiner.

Local grocers are teaming up to ensure visiting players are energized and hydrated while in town. Nesters Market is sponsoring Team Russia while Save On Foods is sponsoring Team Switzerland, according to Brennan Park Olympic program co-ordinator Tamsyn Morote.

The game allows locals a chance to experience Olympic hockey without dealing with clogged transportation, and Morote expects the arena to be packed, she said.

“It's really exciting. I think it's great because a lot of Squamish obviously doesn't have tickets to go to see any of the events. It's nice that it's in town and easy to get to so that's really exciting,” said Morote.

Switzerland, which is in Group A along with Canada, plays the first hockey game of the 2010 Games against Sweden at UBC Thunderbird Arena on Feb. 13. Switzerland continues round-robin action against Canada on Feb. 15.

Russia plays its first game against Group B rivals Finland on Feb. 14 and could face Canada in the playoffs. There are eight countries participating in women's hockey, including Slovakia, China and the United States.

The Canadian women's team won gold at the last two Olympics in Torino and Salt Lake City. Led by Hayley Wickenheiser, the Canadians are favoured to battle the United States for 2010 gold. At the last Olympics, Russia and Switzerland placed sixth and seventh respectively.

The squads start this year's Olympic run at Brennan Park Arena on Wednesday. Warm-up starts at 2:20 p.m. and the puck drops at 3 p.m.
Tickets to catch the free Russia vs. Switzerland women's hockey practice on Wednesday (Feb. 10) are available for pick up at Brennan Park, starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday (Feb. 6). Only ticket holders will be permitted to watch the free practice.With limited seating capacity, there is a limit of two tickets per person.

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