The Sochi Hockey Open is supposed to offer teams like Canada an opportunity to evaluate available talent since NHL players won't be participating in the upcoming 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang.
But during the group stage of the tournament on Monday, Canada and Russia offered everyone a more violent picture reminiscent of the old battles between Team Canada and the Soviets. The two teams combined for 64 penalty minutes before the Russians triumphed, 3-2.
Recommended Videos
This likely isn't what Team Canada's organizers are looking for. The line brawl itself is sort of strange because the Russians seem reluctant to drop their gloves. It's awkward at best.
Watch here:
Even though it's just a preseason for Team Russia-2 and Team Canada, it's still good old time 🇷🇺 vs 🇨🇦 game. #SochiHockeyOpen pic.twitter.com/Tl84L5YdI0
— KHL (@khl_eng) August 7, 2017
Team Canada is coached by Willie Desjardins, the former head coach of the Vancouver Canucks. According to Hockey Canada, the Canadians next will compete in the Tournament of Nikolai Puchkov from Aug. 14-17 in St. Petersburg.