It's a unique challenge for everyone involved; no matter if they represent the stars and stripes, salute the maple leaf, or wear red as they cross the Pacific.
Face it. When American college hockey meets a Russian select team or takes on a neighboring Canadian squad, things can get exciting. Even in exhibition match-ups.
An "all-star team of Russia's junior league"; that's how one online article accurately described just who these Russian Red Star players actually are (http://rt.com/sport/hockey/mhl-red-stars-hockey/). These outstanding players from the junior level have been pooled together and shipped to the United States to play eight games, with six games against NCAA opponents, the finale being tonight's game against UMass-Lowell.
Thus far, the Red Stars have played well, yet can only claim a single victory to date.
Loss: 1-5 (North Dakota)
Win: 6-1 (Vermont)
Loss: 4-6 (Yale)
Loss: 2-3 (Northern Michigan)
Loss: 1-2 (Notre Dame)
Despite the 1-4 record, the Russian Red Stars have only been outscored 17-14. They have a chance to leave a good taste in their mouth tonight, as they close out their trip at 7:00pm in Massachusetts.
* * *
The Western Ontario Mustangs hold a solid record back in Canada: 13-7 overall, with a 13-3 conference record. Unfortunately for the Mustangs, that record has not translated well across the border.
Loss: 0-4 (Notre Dame)
Loss: 1-6 (Michigan State)
Loss: 4-7 (Harvard)
Loss: 2-4 (Dartmouth)
Loss: 2-3 (Lake Superior State)
Despite being outscored 24-9 in five games, the Mustangs can hope that the experience will only boost their season as they re-start collegiate play back in Canada. These are college kids, after all; it doesn't take rocket science to look at the results, find the film tape, and learn how to improve. The Mustangs should be ready for a big second half of the season.
When international teams face off at the rink, it provides a bit of incentive for exhibition games.
There is the opportunity to improve skills.
There's the chance to tune-up for the weekends conference game.
There the possibility for the third and fourth lines to get some extra time on the ice.
And, of course, there's national pride.
http://www.westernmustangs.ca/index.aspx?path=mhockey (Western Ontario)
http://rt.com/sport/hockey/mhl-red-stars-hockey/ (Article on Red Stars)
http://www.uscho.com/ (US College Hockey Online)
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