BOULDER, Colorado -- The Bandy World Championships are about to start in the Siberian city of Kemerovo on Sunday, January 28th.
12 teams divided into two groups will compete in a round robin format. Beyond that, I can't really tell you how the world championships are going to work. I need to look into this more. I just thought I'd give everyone a heads up, and I will be posting recaps of all the major games. For all you US bandy fans, this does not include the US team's games. They are terrible.
Here are the competitors:
Group A
Russia
Sweden
Finland
Norway
Belarus
Kazakhstan
Group B
Estonia
Mongolia
The official World Championships website is pretty poor, but there is some English-language stuff on it.
In the meantime, the Russian bandy league will still be in full swing throughout these championships, which is good for Baikal-Energia, since they have no players on any national rosters.
Here's some salutations from Hockey Hall of Famer, Vyacheslav Fetisov. In deference to Slava, I have edited his English address somewhat to make it comprehensible, though the translation is his (I think):
On behalf of the Russian Federal Sports Agency I would like to greet participants, organizers and guests of the Bandy World Championship.
It’s the first this important sport event held in the Kemerovo region, in harsh but hospitable Siberia which has longstanding athletic traditions and many talented athletes. The potential of this popular Russian game and its victorious traditions are carefully kept here.
The world championship is a tremendous fest of competition of the best teams in the world, a chance for every player to write down his name in bandy history. I’m sure this championship will not be an exception, and thousands of Russian and international fans of this exciting and dynamic winter sport will witness thrilling games, honest competition and new talented players.
With all my heart I wish participants of the world championship interesting games, exciting combinations, beautiful goals and brilliant wins.
Good luck! Enjoy the sport!
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