Russia wins also Men’s Ice Hockey Gold

GRANADA – Today, 14 February, on Valentine’s Day, the men’s ice hockey tournament come to an end with the golden medal game between Russia and Kazachstan. It was Kazachstan’s second appearance in a row after playing the final in Trentino 2013 and losing against Canada. Russia, which boasted a roster featuring 10 players with KHL experience, was in the hunt for their sixth Universiade triumph since 1993. The former USSR had previously captured five titles. The finals put the next two hosts of the Winter Universiade facing each other. Indeed, Kazachstan will host the 28th Winter Universiade in 2017 (Almaty), while Russia will host the 29th edition in 2019 (Krasnoyarsk). Russia dominated the game and defeated their opponents 3-1 winning also the men’s ice hockey gold after already pocketing the women’s two days earlier.

Oleg Lee being interviewed after winning the goldFor Russian player Oleg Lee this victory was the cherry on the cake. “It was a tough but a fair-play tournament”, the physical education student from Moscow State University commented after the Russian victory. The Russian native from Korean descent liked every minute of it. “We lost from Canada in the preliminary round but we came back, pulled through after that loss and finally won this tournament!”

Volunteer Dilya UrmancheevaFor Dilya Urmancheeva the Universiade has been a great event. An exchange student from Kazan, Russia, she has been helping out as a volunteer here at the Winter Universiade in Granada. “I missed the Summer Universiade in Kazan as I was abroad then, so I took this opportunity to volunteer here in Granada”, the language student at the University of Granada explains. “I was still doubting to do it because of all the school work, but now I’m glad I did it. I really enjoy the atmosphere of this huge event. I’m happy to see our hockey team win the gold!”

Oleg Matytsin, president of the Russian University Sport Union and 1^st Vice President of FISU considered the final between Kazakhstan and Russia somehow symbolic. “The organising countries of the two next Winter Universiades faced-off in the final here tonight and performed well. This will be very promising for the next games.”

Earlier today in the bronze medal game, Canada beat Czech Republic 6-2.

Text & Photos: Christian Pierre, Press Officer & Kelcey Wright, U-Media Reporter