Day 8 - October 11

This morning we had our last ice session at Novogorst Training Center.  The Russian coaches and American coaches collaborated on a practice plan that included many skating sequences, puckwork and some 2 v 0's and 2 v 1's.  Per usual, it was very high tempo.  We ended the session with about thirty minutes of 3 v 3 with a passing option.  It's really fun to see the different styles and habits of American hockey vs those of European hockey when they are meshed together in this type of setting.  The Europeans tend to play more "east / west" with great support and fluid passing.  The Americans typically want to go "north / south", get the puck up ice right away and attack the net. 

After practice, we noticed some speedskaters working out on the second rink.  It was incredible to see that up close.  Supposedly, one of the Russian male skaters is considered one of the best in the world.  They removed the boards and added portable padded pads to complete the track - it was a really cool set up.

 

 

Following a quick lunch, the group walked over to the Dynamo practice facility.  Dynamo Moscow is currently number one in their division of the KHL, and they are the reigning KHL champions. 

 

The facility was incredible.  The interior was covered with jerseys, trophies, pictures...so much memorabilia.  It covered past players and their incredible accomplishments - Olympians, NHL'ers and so much more. 

 

 

We also caught the tail end of their practice and were able to watch the team as they played 3 v 3 and then a little bit of 4 v 3.  Of course, all of the kids were scouting out Alex Ovechkin and he didn't disappoint...he scored a great goal in all alone with the goaltender.  He even shot a puck up into the netting when he recognized our group up in the stands.  After their practice ended, he invited us down for a group picture.  He also came out to the lobby after he changed and signed more autographs for our kids.  He has been awesome to our group and we are looking forward to the Dynamo game on Saturday.

We are all still trying to process the incredible people we have met and the opportunities we have been given on this trip - it certainly is a once in a lifetime experience!

 

Following the Dynamo outing, the group got on the bus and headed downtown Mowscow for some shopping on Old Arbat Street.  It was a beautiful setting, although it is always cloudy here, and everyone was looking forward to buying souvenirs and food from the various street vendors.  We had a great time. 

 

Unfortunately though, the dreaded Moscow traffic got the best of us on our way home.  Our 45 minute trip took well over two hours!  Regardless, we made it back and had dinner and a short meeting before saying goodbye to our Russian hockey friends.  They are returning to school tomorrow.

 

It was another great day, still so hard to believe we are here and experience all of this.  Can't wait for another great day tomorrow!  Here are some additional sites to check in on periodically for updates on the trip:

Facebook - SportsUnited
Facebook - U.S. Embassy Moscow
Twitter - Sports Diplomacy
Twitter - jchristo14