With the World Juniors just around the corner, Nanaimoites got their first look at one of the hockey teams.
The Czech Republic team held its first practice this morning, Dec. 13, at the Nanaimo Ice Centre in front of a couple of dozen people.
The Czechs are in Nanaimo preparing for the IIHF World Junior Championships, which takes place in Vancouver and Victoria starting Dec. 26. Team Czech Republic will also play a pre-tournament game against Slovakia on Dec. 19 at Nanaimo’s Frank Crane Arena.
In the meantime, the Czech Republic will be practising at the Nanaimo Ice Centre daily until Dec. 22. They will also hold one practice at Frank Crane Arena later tonight, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Slovakia will also be holding daily practices in Nanaimo between Dec. 16-20. Slovakia’s practice locations will alternate between Frank Crane Arena and Cliff McNabb. Their first practice will be on Dec. 16 at Frank Crane Arena at 5:45 p.m.
Both team’s practices are open to the public “upon the discretion of the coaches” according to the City of Nanaimo.
Good morning! I’m at the #Nanaimo Ice Centre where team Czech Republic is practicing in preparation for their World Juniors exhibition game against Slovakia, which takes place in Nanaimo next week. pic.twitter.com/IMIajSZRYK
— Nicholas M Pescod (@npescod) December 13, 2018
