To Russia, with love

As exhibition play in the 2016 World Under-17 Challenge got underway this afternoon, one local family in the stands were cheering on the Team Russia players.

Mikhail, Natalya and son Maxim Kari, who have lived in the Sault for about a year, proudly held up Russian flags and cheered as Team Russia defeated Team Canada White 5-3 in the opening exhibition game at the Essar Centre.

Originally from Kazakhstan, the family identify as Russian.

The family were asked by the Sault College Career Centre to participate in the hosting committee for the event.

“We decided to be hosts because not too many Russian people live here and we were happy to help,” said Natalya.

As hosts, the Karis do a little bit of everything to make Team Russia feel at home during the tournament.

“We are all day long with them. We help to solve different problems with hockey stuff and life stuff. We just help them a little bit with English because not everyone can speak English on the team,” said Natalya.

The Karis moved the the Sault, having previously lived in Manitoba for about four years.

“The Sault is not too cold, like Manitoba. Not too windy,” said Natalya.

The family first came to the Sault when visiting friends, who had moved here first.

“We decided to move too because this city is very good,” said Natalya.

Exhibition play for the 2016 World Under-17 Challenge continues until Saturday, followed by tournament play Oct. 30 to Nov. 5, with games being played at both the Essar Centre and John Rhodes Arena.