BROOKLYN, NY, June 8, 2017 – In a collaboration between the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) and Russian Ice Hockey Federation, the Russian National Team (RNT) will come to the United States this October for two weeks of training and competition.
The “NWHL/Team Russia Summit Series” will feature the RNT playing two preseason games each against the Boston Pride, Connecticut Whale and New York Riveters. Team Russia will also participate in training sessions during the trip.
“Our players and staff are very excited to come to the USA again to play hard and wonderful hockey against the high-level players of the NWHL,” said Olga Votolovskaya, general manager of the Russian Women’s National Team. “I want to say special thanks to NWHL Commissioner Dani Rylan for supporting our initiative, and to the Russian Ice Hockey Federation for financing such a long and far away trip. For a team to improve, you have to go up against some of the best – and that’s what the NWHL represents.”
The two-week visit from Oct. 11-23 will serve as training for Team Russia as it prepares for the 2018 Winter Olympics, and as preparation for the three NWHL clubs before the league’s regular season begins in late October. The RNT faced NWHL clubs in five preseason games in 2016.
“We welcome the Russian National Team and thank them for an ongoing partnership that is beneficial for everyone involved,” said Rylan. “These games may be between friendly rivals, but they are intense – perfect preparation for our teams before the start of the NWHL season.”
Dates, times and venues for the games will be announced this summer.
Additional comments from Olga Votolovskaya:
- “We enjoy the warm hospitality and kind attention from American people that meet us at the hotels, in the hockey arenas and on the streets during our trip. We will definitely bring some ‘Red Machine’ hockey souvenirs for our American friends. I am looking forward to seeing their smiling faces again.”
- “Last time we managed to win two games out of five (4-1 vs. Riveters and 3- 2 over Whale). The games were very interesting and tough and it was noticeable that my girls were improving from game to game. We have no other North American trips planned at this time. We will concentrate all our efforts on this series vs. the NWHL. Our plan for October is to bring some young and talented players to the battles with a hope of winning three games out of six.”
The 2017-18 NWHL regular season is set to begin in October, featuring founding four franchises Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale and New York Riveters playing a full slate of home games as well as neutral site games. The NWHL compensates all players and offers a revenue share on player jerseys and shirseys.
