Customs snag halts practice in China
Practice session in China cancelled after hockey equipment held up by customs
SHENZHEN, CHINA Instead of skating, they were waiting.
And waiting.
And waiting.
The Calgary Flames’ training camp trip to China started with an unexpected twist Thursday — their first practice of the season was cancelled because their equipment had yet to clear customs.
The Boston Bruins, their opponents for a pair of pre-season matchups in this far-off market, were stuck playing the same waiting game. Their skate was also scrapped.
“There are always unforeseen issues you have to deal with,” said Flames GM Brad Treliving, chatting with reporters in the lobby of the team hotel in Shenzhen. “So we’ll deal with it, and we’ll move on. It’s nobody’s fault, but we’ll be really eager to go (Friday).
“We’ve said, ‘If we want to have a great year this year, you’re going to have to deal with adversity.’ Well, we’re dealing with it on Day 1. It’s how you react to it, and we’re going to be fine.”
The good news is customs officers finally provided the stamp of approval late Thursday afternoon, releasing the gear and allowing Calgary’s equipment staff — and their cohorts from Boston — to set up their dressing room at Shenzhen University Sports Center.
The Flames and Bruins will both practise Friday, now their only prep session before Saturday’s exhibition matinee.
“It’s a curveball, obviously,” summed up Flames superstar Johnny Gaudreau. “It’s your first day of camp, you want to get on the ice with your new teammates, your new coaching staff. But that’s the way it goes.
“No big deal. We’ll put it behind us and use this day to get to know some more of the guys. Just try to use it to our advantage, I guess, and get ready for tomorrow.”
The Flames arrived Wednesday evening in China, never imagining they would open camp — their first under the helm of new head coach Bill Peters — with what amounted to a day off.
Gaudreau, Mark Giordano & Co. were scheduled to board the team bus at 8 a.m. local time Thursday and step on the ice two hours later.
Their practice was initially postponed by four hours. The bus would roll at noon. Except it didn’t.
With their skates and helmets, sticks and shoulder pads still parked in a neat pile at airport customs, the Flames hung around the lobby for about an hour before being told to split and await further instructions.
Most were just finishing lunch when practice was officially spiked.
“They’ve probably had three meals today,” Treliving cracked. “It’s probably the only time that you test and then you go up in weight on Day 2 of camp. Everyone will be five pounds heavier tomorrow.”
That might apply to the reporters — you should see this breakfast buffet — but the skating stars likely don’t have to worry about it.
Just to be sure, the Flames headed to the hotel fitness centre for an impromptu afternoon sweat, quite a sight for the tourists on treadmills.
“I think we scared a few people cruising in there, because there are a lot of us in there right now,” said Flames defenceman Michael Stone. “The thing that sucked (Thursday) was just the unknown, really. But now that we know that we’re not going to be on the ice today, all of us are in the gym — being together — and we’re having fun doing it.
“So I think it’s working out as good as it could be.”
After all, the Flames figure this junket to the O.R.G. China Games — after Saturday ’s clash, the teams move to Beijing for the second stop — could be the ultimate teambuilder.
Their 26-man travelling roster includes a half-dozen off-season additions, while Peters and associate coach Geoff Ward are also new to the organization.
“Obviously, it’s a day that we’re missing of skating together, but you’re still doing things with your teammates — walking around the city, getting to know different players and just hanging out,” Gaudreau said. “Which is important, because we do have a lot of new faces. We need to build some chemistry with those guys and to get comfortable with those guys before we start playing with them.
“So we’re not just going to use it as a day-off. We’re going to get together, do some things together and make the most of it.”