Ukraine-Bisons tilt hits close to home Monday-night matchup has extra meaning for players with Ukrainian roots By: Mike Sawatzky Posted: 7:00 PM CST Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023

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This article was published 04/01/2023 (623 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

University of Manitoba goaltender Ross Hawryluk and his teammates are focused on a high-pressure second-half run for a Canada West playoff berth.

They will also take time to play a part in a special humanitarian effort to support the Ukrainian under-25 team currently touring Western Canada.

The Bisons will take on the Ukrainians, who are on a special leave from their war-ravaged country, on the final stop of their Can’t Stop Hockey Tour on Monday at Canada Life Centre. Game time is 7 p.m.

Organizers expect to fill the lower bowl of the arena, which has a capacity 7,821. Tickets can be purchased for $15 each.

“It’s a very special opportunity, obviously, to play any team that represents a country but it’s also special having that Ukrainian heritage and seeing what they’re going through right now,” said Hawryluk, a Lloydminster, Alta., product who is one of at least six U of M players with Ukrainian heritage. “Being able to come together and help support them through their tough time I think is super special…

“I can’t say that I know what they’re going through because I don’t. Obviously, it looks awful, but I’m glad that we’re able to reach out and offer help.”

The Ukrainians are tuning up for an appearance at the upcoming World University Games in Lake Placid, N.Y., while also raising funds for refugees and others still suffering at home during the Russian invasion.

The tour strikes close to the heart for U of M head coach Mike Sirant, who played a key role in organizing a tour that previously touched down in Saskatoon, Calgary and Edmonton.

While Sirant grew up in River Heights, his grandparents emigrated from Kyiv before settling in Fort Rouge.

“We have the utmost respect for these Ukrainian players and the Ukrainian people in general with the courage and bravery that they’re showing in this horrific situation and their resiliency and desire to maintain some normalcy in their lives,” Sirant said. “For these young men, it’s hockey. Hockey is giving them some normalcy in an extremely tough situation that we can read about but could never really fully understand.”

Second-year forward Michael King, a Winnipeg product, grew up immersed in his Ukrainian roots.

“It is my heritage and all that but it’s more about it being such a good cause,” said King about Monday’s game. “I’ve tried to tune into the news and see how things are going. It’s awful hearing about the things that are happening, but it’s also very inspiring how the people are stepping up and how they’re doing and how they’re handling things.”

Second-year forward Noah Basarab, originally from Gimli, expects 20 or more relatives with Ukrainian roots to attend the game. Second-year forward Codey Behun, who grew up in Transcona, will have at least 15 family members in the stands. Third-year forward Devon Skoleski will have at least 20.

“For these young men, it’s hockey. Hockey is giving them some normalcy in an extremely tough situation that we can read about but could never really fully understand.”–Mike Sirant

“I think hockey brings everyone together and just helps you get your mind off whatever’s going on elsewhere,” said Basarab. “So, that makes it special in its own way.”

Added Behun: “We take a lot of pride in our heritage and whatnot and a lot of my family is very excited about this game and are coming to watch. It’s for a great cause.”

An added bonus for the U of M players will come after the game. Organizers are hosting a reception for both teams, allowing players a chance to interact with the touring players.

“We take a lot of pride in our heritage and whatnot and a lot of my family is very excited about this game and are coming to watch. It’s for a great cause.”–Codey Behun

“It’ll give our players the opportunity to reflect again on not taking things for granted in Canada based on what the Ukrainian players are experiencing and the adversity that they’re experiencing, not only in their hockey situation but in their daily lives,” said Sirant.

Proceeds from the game will benefit the Canada/Ukraine Foundation, which provides assistance to humanitarian groups in both countries. Most of the proceeds go to the Save Ukrainian Hockey Dream, a charity operated by the Ice Hockey Federation of Ukraine.

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Mike Sawatzky
Reporter

Mike has been working on the Free Press sports desk since 2003.

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