Winnipeg police step up to help team Ukraine in World Police and Fire Games
Posted August 1, 2023 5:35 pm.
Last Updated August 1, 2023 7:14 pm.
The Ukraine hockey team found themselves with a short bench as they set to compete in the 2023 World Police and Fire Games, but fortunately a few Winnipeg Police Officers laced up to help.
The Ukrainian team, known as Dynamo were in desperate need to fill out their roster. Due to the ongoing Russian invasion, eight of their players were unable to make the trip to Winnipeg.
Winnipeg Police officers play hockey with Team Ukraine at 2023 World Police and Fire Games. (Photo Courtesy: Jay Murray)
“They were looking for some novice players, which I fit the bill for, so I jumped all over that opportunity and here we are,” explained Cst. Damian Dech, Winnipeg Police Service.
“For everything they are doing and going through, if I can help in any way, I will do that.”
The team came from Kharkiv, in Eastern Ukraine – a city that has been devastated since Russia invaded 17 months ago. On Tuesday, the team found out one of their athletic facilities in Kharkiv was destroyed by a Russian drone.
photo of the athletic facility that was destroyed by the Russian drone in Kharkiv, Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Damian Dech)
Cst. Dech says hearing this news and playing with players from Ukraine has put his life into perspective.
“I was stressed out about my basement, because I am getting crickets in my basement through my window cell. To me that’s a big deal. Meeting them, they are getting drone strikes on buildings and their house. It makes me realize how cushy we have it here and how grateful I am that we have it here and what we are going through,” he explained.
The team has played several games, including match ups against the LAPD and RCMP. Dech says the comradery on and off the ice has been unbelievable.
“We came here during difficult times for our country. We are privileged to play here, and we really feel welcome,” said Roman Byrchenko, a player on the Dynamo Ukrainian Hockey Team.
“We really like the city, the atmosphere, the venues, the organization, and everything around the games. The main thing is people – how they treat us, how they greet us. We really feel special here.”
Byrchenko says every time their team hits the ice, they are thinking of everyone back home.
“Mentally, physically, yes it’s definitely hard times for our country and our people. But we are grateful for everyone’s support. Canada is one of our biggest friends and we are really cherishing this moment. We are really grateful for that.”
