The 1998 Red Army team from Russia arrived in Michigan a week before competing in the Bauer Invitational tournament in Chicago Nov. 4-6. Here they have a slate of games that included a tilt with the Honeybaked ’98s on Saturday, Oct. 29.
The game was fast-paced from the outset and the boys on both sides never slowed down, despite playing full 20-minute stop time periods. Honeybaked scored first, but Red Army pulled ahead 2-1 before Honeybaked tied the game, setting up overtime. Skating 4-on-4 in the extra session, Honeybaked won in fitting fashion as second-generation Russians combined on the winner. Nik Pastujov fed Igor Larionov perfectly and Larionov did the rest with a deft deke and a backhand to the top corner.
The game was as good as it gets at this level: Well played, hotly contested, yet with respect and sportsmanship exhibited throughout. The Honeybaked families billeted the Russian boys overnight, so the experience was social and cultural, rounding out the game competition. In a touching display after the game, the young Russian netminder approached Igor Larionov Sr. in the rink lobby and presented him with a replica No. 8 Red Army jersey. Larionov played eight years for Red Army and it is the only jersey from his illustrious career that he doesn’t have.
In total, it was the best that youth hockey has to offer.
Note: The following article is a reader submission from a parent, coach, or player. If you would like your team featured on our website, please email Michael Caples at mcaples@mihockeynow.com
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[…] few weeks ago, we published a short article about how the Red Army youth team from Russia stopped by to play against Honeybaked. They aren’t the only team to cross the pond to play against teams from the Mitten. On […]