The ice hockey national teams are preparing to compete for the gold

The ice hockey national teams are preparing to compete for the gold in the upcoming Winter Deaflympics in Khanty-Mansiysk. Arena Ugra, the designated prime location of the Deaflympics ice hockey competition, is also home to the KHL (Continental Hockey League) regular season matches. The Arena has a seating capacity of approximately 5,500 spectators. The complex meets all modern requirements for sporting activities at the international level. Arena Ugra will host six national teams during the Deaflympics: Canada, Finland, USA, Kazakhstan, Finland, and, of course, Russia.

Ice hockey has been part of the Deaflympics since 1991, where it first made its appearance at the 12th World Winter Games for the Deaf, hosted in Banff, Canada. Back then, the Russian hockey players were playing under the flag of the Soviet Union, and made the most significant success in its history by winning the Deaflympics gold. Thereafter, the Russian ice hockey team has repeatedly became the winner of the Games. Now, at the home tournament, they will try to repeat the success.

The Deaflympics Winter Games will be held in Khanty-Mansiysk and Magnitogorsk from 28 March to 5 April. Competitions will include five sports - snowboarding, ice hockey, alpine skiing, curling, and skiing. Representatives of 26 countries will be in attendance. The national team of Russia includes 76 athletes representing 16 regions.

The Winter Deaflympics take place in different locations throughout the world every 4 years. The games include several deciplines including ice hockey.

2015 XVIII Winter Deaflympics, Khanty-Mansiysk - Gold - ?; Silver - ?; Bronze -?

2007 XVI Winter Deaflympics, Salt Lade City, Utah; Gold Medal - USA; Silver - Canada; Russia - Bronze.

2003 XV Winter Deaflympics, Sudsvall, Sweden; Gold - Canada; Silver - Russia; Bronze - USA.

1999 XIV Winter Deaflympics, Davos, Switzerland; Gold - Canada; Silver - USA; Bronze - Finland.

1995 XIII Winder Deaflympics, Ylläs, Finland; Gold - USA; Silver - Canada; Bronze - Russia.

1991 XII Winter Deaflympics, Banff, Canada; Gold - USSR (Former Soviet Union); Silver - USA; Bronze - Canada.

(On the photo) In 1999, USSR (Former Soviet Union) men's national ice hockey team won for the first gold medal at XII Winter Deatlympics which was held in Banff, Canada.