Hockey Canada has attempted to make its juniors feel at home during their 11-day stay at the world under-20 tournament.
The Canadians have taken over two floors at a four-star hotel that is a 10-minute walk from the Pardubice Arena. International Ice Hockey Federation officials, as well as Team Slovakia, have inhabited the same hotel.
In a players' lounge, a television shows the players' favourite Canadian stations, including TSN, which is the host broadcaster of the tournament.
Chef Andrew Gass of Calgary's Metropolitan Grill has once again taken up Hockey Canada's invitation to perform his culinary magic for the players. When the players arrived for their first day in Pardubice, Gass had gourmet grilled-cheese sandwiches and tomato soup waiting for lunch.
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Among the Canadian contingent staying in other area hotels are 55 parents or family members of the 22-player roster.
Over the years, an increasing number of Canadians have chosen to spend their Christmas vacations at the tournament when the event is staged in Europe, filling many of the empty seats. This year, more than 3,000 Canadians are expected to attend, among them eight minor-hockey teams that are playing in holiday tournaments nearby.
