Canada's Dougie Hamilton (R) celebrates his goal with Ryan Murphy against Russia during the first period of their preliminary round game at the 2013 IIHF U20 World Junior Hockey Championship in Ufa, December 31, 2012. (REUTERS/Mark Blinch)
UFA, RUSSIA - While Canada toasted with some bubbly or watched the ball drop in Times Square, Team Canada had a pretty quiet New Year’s Eve here.
Seven members of the team have family members here and they joined the players and staff for a meal of hamburgers. When midnight rolled around, players either telephoned or Skyped with family back in Canada.
“Just a regular dinner. Just another day,” said Team Canada defenceman Dougie Hamilton, who doesn’t have family here. “I kind of miss out on Christmas Day New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day -- whatever. It doesn’t really matter to me. I just want the gold.”
