Blizzard to host Russian Red Stars on December 19th

The Alexandria Blizzard will play host to the Russian Red Stars at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, December 19 at the Runstone Community Center in Alexandria, Minn.

The Blizzard have a rich tradition within the Central division of the NAHL and this unique opportunity will allow them to showcase their abilities against quality international competition. The Red Stars team is comprised of all-stars from the MHL, Russia’s top junior league.

“This is an experience that our players, fans and community won’t get to see very often,” said Blizzard Head Coach Doc Delcastillo on the Z99 morning show. “We are excited for the opportunity, and look forward to the challenge that lies ahead in taking on such a great opponent.”

The Red Stars will be making several other stops along their North American tour playing games against NCAA Division I teams like the UND Fighting Sioux, Vermont, Northern Michigan, Yale, Notre Dame, UMASS and NAHL Central Division rival the Bismarck Bobcats on Wednesday, December 21.

In 2010, the Red Stars made their first trip to North America when they went 4-1, including games against NCAA D-I competition: a victory over Army and a loss to then number 1 ranked Yale.

The game was arranged through the NAHL commissioner’s office and Commissioner Mark Frankenfeld.  “It is great for the NAHL to host this high level competition between two International Junior League teams,” said Frankenfeld.

The game is being tagged ‘USA v. Russia (Alexandria’s Miracle Matchup)’, as the Blizzard will be sporting replica jerseys inspired from those worn by the 1980 USA Olympicteam.  Fans will have the opportunity to bid on these jerseys at a live auction held during and after the game.