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Zhang Xinyue, who started to play ice hockey three years ago, can't believe she got the opportunity to chase the gold medal of mixed team 3-on-3 ice hockey at Lausanne 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games.
Zhang and her Black team advanced into the women's final with a 11-7 victory against Team Brown on Tuesday. If not for YOG to make a new concept for ice hockey, Zhang would not be able to take part in the tournament.
To give a chance of playing at high level competitions to players from developing ice hockey nations, IIHF and IOC created the first-ever mixed team 3-on-3 for Lausanne 2020, which replaces the men's and women's skills challenge.
"It's the first time for Chinese ice hockey players to participate in YOG, I am proud of be part of it," said Zhang, "I've never played 3-on-3 but I really enjoy it. It's so faster and exciting, and it makes you feel a lot of fun."
"Playing the final means a lot to me and my teammates, I hope I can win the gold and show it to my family and friends in China," Zhang said.
China's ice hockey team includes one boy and four girls, they were all verified and selected to the tournament by the IIHF Sport Department, basing on a series of national skills challenges operated by the Chinese Ice Hockey Associations.
Teaming up with other 12 players from different countries and regions, the Chinese youngsters also experienced a brilliant fun outside the court.
"My English is not very well, so I have to use the translation software to communicate with my teammates. Language is not a problem. My teammates taught me how to dance and we danced together," said Women's Team Grey player Zhang Shuqi.
Someone makes new friends, someone meets old friends.
Nie Xinrui, who represented China at 2020 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women's World Championship, saw a familiar face in her Red team.
"Beatrice Storesund from Norway, she is my best friend in this team, because we met each other when we played the World Championship in Poland. We had a lot of fun this time," said Nie.
