Monday night, Team Russia took on forever rival Team Canada in both clubs’ opening game for the 2017 World Junior Championship. Canada would defeat Russia 5-3. Caps top goaltending prospect Ilya Samsonov made 32 saves in the loss.
The most memorable part of the game however was what Russia wore onto the ice.
Game highlights
GAME HIGHLIGHTS of a great clash between @HC_Men and @Russiahockey. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/5uNbmYKll8
— IIHF WJC (@iihf_wjc) December 27, 2016
Every member of Team Russia placed black armbands around their left arm in honor of the victims of a Russian plane crash Christmas Day.
Sunday, a Russian military plane crashed with 92 on board. A Tupolev Tu-154 plane, carrying the world-famous Red Army Choir, crashed into the Black Sea minutes after taking off from the Olympic town of Sochi.
A massive search and rescue operation is currently under way. According to USA Today, thirteen bodies have been recovered, as well as more than 150 pieces of debris. Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Monday a day of mourning. Mechanical failure or pilot error is suspected as the the cause of the crash.
The IIHF first reported Team Russia’s gesture on Twitter.
Photos
Ilya Samsonov wears the black band around his arm.
