Young Krasnoyarsk sledge hockey players won an International tournament in Canada

Young sledge hockey players from the Krasnoyarsk team «Red Lightning» - Radislav Niga, Elizaveta Shpakova and Yuriy Boyko - took the first place in the International tournament «Cruisers Cup-2018» in Canada. Competitions were held in Brampton  city  in November, 2 – 4.

The Russians did't lose not a single match in this tournament, defeating the strongest junior teams in the USA and Canada. 12 Children with disabilities from 10 to 16 years old from 6 cities of Russia: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Cheboksary, Tula, Krasnoyarsk, Odintsovo played in the National team of the Sledge Hockey Children  League.

"I'm impressed with the high level of young Russian sledge hockey players. With what a skill they lead the puck, how they play superbly, how everyone works in a team. I didn't expect such skill. These kids are the future of Russian sledge hockey. Congratulations to all with winning" - tournament director Ken Hall said.

"Emotions are overwhelming. We did it! We won by one big friendly team, which includes not only  kids, but also their parents, as well as the coaches who prepared  children in their teams. Our partners who helped organize this trip. With common efforts, we made it! It is a great experience for children, because they flew to another continent, where they collided with hockey, they had never  seen before, with another venue and other spectators. But they have coped because we were a real team, "-. the Head coach of the Children's Sledge Hockey League Andrey Ivanov said.

Igor Baradachev, Deputy General Director of the Timchenko Foundation, also shared his impressions of the tournament: "Today the event happened, we dreamed about for three years! Three years ago we came to this tournament with the «Ladoga» team and took the 3rd place. At that time there was the only children's team. Now, thanks to the  Sledge Children's Hockey League, we already have 10 teams! Leaders,  national team nwas formed, which successfully conducted the entire series of games here in Canada, without losing to any team and won the gold medal! I am proud, that our foundation starting the work without any support, alone -  has gained adherents in the three years, that parents believed in our idea. Everything happened is a confirmation that everything has been started is not in vain, and we are moving in the right direction. I want to thank the team's Head coach Andrei Vasilyevich who  gathered an efficient team in a short time, that beat the best junior overseas teams".