Salavat Yulaev Hockey Game

Last Thursday, A and I went to the Salavat Yulaev hockey game at Ufa Arena. It was a 7pm game, and that night I had a class that ended at 7pm. Luckily, it's right down the street from my work so we only missed the first 5 minutes. I was able to get free hockey tickets*, two weeks ago, when I spent over a certain amount at their team shop. That would be a Christmas gift spoiler, but, luckily, my dad and brother don't read my blog. Can you believe that was my second hockey game in a week? I'm still in the process of editing my photos from Finland, so you'll see those hockey pictures later.


This was A's first time going to a hockey game, which was surprising to me. Although I'm not a hockey fan, and the only reason I've gone to hockey games in the past was because my cousin grew up playing it, I've grown up going to different sporting events. I grew up with the 90s Cleveland Indians, so they've always had a special place in my heart. It was amusing to watch the game through A's point of view. He got so into the cheers, and I'm pretty sure he filmed everything on his GoPro. For me, I felt like I was back in America. Some of the chants were the same, they filmed people on the jumbotron, and even had a mascot dancing in the aisles.

Speaking of jumbotron, A and I were actually on it. He was filming on his GoPro when it came up, so I will try to get the video later. I wish I would have paid more attention while I was at my cousin's hockey game in Finland because I felt like the Ufa game was more similar to American sporting events than the Finnish game.

One thing that made me laugh was how "Russian" Russians actually are. I mean grown men in front of us were actually drinking tea during the game. Only in Russia. Of course, you take alcohol to your seat, but it still made me laugh. Most days I can't see differences between Russians and Americans and other days I feel like I'm in a whole different world.

Unfortunately, Salavat Yulaev lost to Kulun Red Star (from Beijing) 5-4 in overtime. It was fun to be able to see the game end in a shootout.

Do you go to sports games when you are abroad?

*This is not a sponsored post. Anyone who spends over 800 rubles will receive two free tickets.