Had a request to post this to the group. Julia Ashmun seems to have been working very hard in kicking a lot of folk into action making this happen, so if you can help, that's great. Otherwise, if you might be in the area for any of the games, then go and watch. Should be some good hockey. The Russian squad is going on to Brampton afterwards. Julia is in Montreal this week trying to get some direct help from the various manufacturers (big hockey equipment trade show for next season). Graeme Bailey --------------------------------------------------------------- The Russian National Women's Ice Hockey Team to play five Exhibition Games at MIT on March 22-26 The Russian National Women's Ice Hockey Team is comprised of the best women hockey players in Russia. The Russian National team is competing in tournaments in Europe, Asia, and North America in preparation for the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. Boston has been included in the itinerary because it has some of the best women's ice hockey in the United States, and many of the US National skaters will be chosen from the NorthEast. Five exhibition games will be played against local teams at MIT (Johnson Athletic Center) on March 22-25th at 8pm and Saturday at 12pm. Admission is free. As you know, the economic situation in Russian has continued to deteriorate, making it very difficult for the Russian team to travel to international tournaments and even to acquire adequate hockey equipment. In most countries, including our own, women's sports receive far less funding and sponsorship than men's sports. In addition, the average worker in Russia earns $300 a year. Without international hockey experience, this team will fail to qualify for the Olympics. This inequity is not in spirit of the Olympics and CAN be corrected with our support. Fund raising efforts have been undertaken and some money has been raised from local area players and businesses to cover some of the team's expenses. But donations, contributions, and sponsorships are still needed ($15, $25, $50, $100, or any amount). For further information contact: Julia at email address <[log in to unmask]> or send contributions to Julia Ashmun, 21 Seavey Rd, Danville, NH 03819 payable to "Women's Ice Hockey Fund". Thanks, Julia