Men’s Ice Hockey faces–off in Granada

GRANADA – Today, 3 February, one day prior to the Opening Ceremony that officially starts the second part of the 27^th Winter Universiade in Granada, Spain, the men’s ice hockey tournament already began. Kazakhstan and Japan faced-off in the first regulation game of the 2015 Granada Winter Universiade, followed by Korea vs Canada and Russia vs Sweden.

Over 25 Kazakhstan fans filed into the Granada Sports Palace to support their men’s ice hockey team during their game against Japan. They must have brought some good luck with them. Indeed, the entire Kazakhstan women’s ice hockey team came out to watch their compatriots.

“We will always cheer loud,” said Tatyana Mozhayeva, who is competing in her first Universiade. “We will cheer because it is our country.” And the blue and yellow crowd that filled the bleachers behind Team Kazakhstan’s bench must have done something right because the men’s team defeated Team Japan 3-2. “We have friends [on the team] from our city,” said Mozhayeva. “We always want them to win.”

The women’s team will compete against Canada on 4 February at the Mulhacen Pavilion. This will be the first regulation women’s game of the Universiade. Canada is the three time defending champion of Winter Universiades in the women’s division.

“I am feeling very good about playing Canada because they’re a strong team,” said Team Kazakhstan’s captain, Zarina Tukhtiyeva. “It’s a good opportunity to learn. It’s always pleasant to play against a powerhouse. Every team wants to win.”

Kelcey Wright, U-Media Reporter & C. Pierre, FISU Press Officer

Today’s Results

MEN

KAZ vs JPN: 3-2

KOR vs CAN: 1-11

RUS vs SWE: 5-1