MM213 (or anyone else) tell me about Ufa, Russia

[puckhead]

I want to bring my father to the WHJC the next time it goes to Europe, to support the team in a far-away land, and because it always kills me to see empty seats at this tournament.

seems 2013 will be in Ufa, Russia. Only a 32 hour drive from Moscow. My dad's over 70, so i don't know if I want to wait 3 years after that, but New years in Ufa sounds...... cold and desolate.

 

[devs30rko]

the one thing as far as the empty seats is, and i say this with all do respect,

its a very much canadian tournament. its not a big deal to other countries around the world. this is the only thing i could actually see the nhl being in europe helping.

i know i'm off topic here and i apologize for that but i think thats a big thing to remember.

 

[puckhead]

I think it's a pretty big deal in Sweden and Finland, and probably Russia, too.
But yes, it is a major event in Canada, due largely to terrific coverage by TSN every year.

 

[devs30rko]

i could see it being big in those, esp sweden.

plus the more NHL exposure those countries get the more that will grow in my opinion, for the simple fact that most of those players a relatively big prospects and will probably end up playing in the NHL.

it helps pick up a following in a way

 

[puckhead]

 

[MM213]

Hi Puckhead, sorry for the delay
Never been to Ufa, flew over it few times on my way to Far East and it's pretty impressive from up there. It's one of the largest cities in Siberia, cultural center, only 2 hours by plane from Moscow (driving there from Moscow is a pretty bad idea).
I served in the army with few guys from there (Bashkirs - local people, surprisingly looking like Arron Asham) - very friendly no-nonsense guys.
Still taking your Dad there during the winter does not sound like a good idea. While it's Southern Siberia, it's still Siberia - temperatures routinely hit -40 and below. Also, I imagine, their infrastructure is not up to Western standards. But I might be wrong, haven't been to Siberia in years. Things might have changed since 90s.

 

[puckhead]

thank you sir.

I think I am leaning towards waiting for the next European hosted tourney.
generally every second time over there will be in Scandinavia.