Niagara Falls has welcomed the U18 women's team

In Niagara Falls, all participants of the 2016 IIHF World Women's Junior Championship were officially welcomed to Canada.

All of our team's playes went to the famous waterfall, and met the Mayor afterwards.

Jim Diodati, Niagara Falls mayor:

– We are happy to welcome you to our city. Our fans are ready to support you from the stands, and I am sure that all of the competing teams will show great hockey. Thanks go to the IIHF for choosing our city as the competition's hosts. We have sold a lot of the tournament's tickets.

Fran Ryder, president of the Ontario hockey association:

– We're very happy that Hockey Canada, the IIHF and the Canadian government have organised this tournament. We are sure that we will see excellent hockey in one of the newest stadiums in the south of Canada (the Meridian Center was opened in 2014 and has a capacity of 5300).

Alexander Ulyapkin, Russian head coach:

– The team has been preparing for this tournament over the span of six training camps. We have looked at 48 candidates, and we have taken the best 23 as a result of friendly games and tournaments.

After completing the training process in the Vale Health and Wellness Centre, tomorrow the team will begin skating inside the Meridian Center. Inside that arena, the team will compete against the USA, Canada and the Czech Republic in Group A.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation