Captains Keen on Aussie Way

Exploring wine country, enjoying the sites, surfing and snorkelling are just some of the things Kyle Qunicey and Zenon Konopka are looking forward to when they are in Australia for the Canada versus America ice hockey exhibition to be held in June.


The international ice hockey series is fast becoming a major talking point, with Australians keen to catch the two teams, made up of players from professional North American leagues, battle out their well-known rivalry on Aussie ice.


Quincey and Konopka will lead the teams to Australia and on to the ice. Quincey, currently playing for the Detroit Red Wings, will captain the Canadian team while Konopka, both an American and Canadian citizen and a member of the Minnesota Wild, will wear the ‘C’ for the US team.


Both National Hockey League defensemen said they are excited to come to Australia.


“This is my first trip to Australia and I want to experience it all,” Quincey said.

 “I hope we get a chance to go surfing and climb the Harbour Bridge.”

“I’d also like to go fishing and swim with sharks if that’s possible.”

Konopka said he would like to go on a wine tour and visit Sydney Harbour.

When asked if they would like to catch an AIHL game while in the country, both Quincey and Konopka gave a resounding “absolutely”.

“I’ve seen some of the AIHL highlights on YouTube,” Konopka said.

“Australians play my kind of game: fast paced, hard hitting action.”

Quincey said he was surprised after learning how long Australians have been playing ice hockey.

“I know Australians are passionate about all sports, but I was surprised to learn you have been playing ice hockey for over 100 years,” he said.

Like Qunicey, Konopka said he knows a little about the passion Australians have for sport.

“Witnessing the support the Australian Olympic teams receive, I know that the hockey fans will be even more passionate and that’s what makes all of us players excited to experience the true Aussie passion for sport.”

Quincey and Konopka will bring concussion awareness with them when they visit Australia with both men ambassadors for stopconcussions.com.

“Australia has always been a place I've wanted to experience, so to have a chance to do so whilst also doing what I love doing best, playing hockey, I'm thrilled,” Quincey said.

“The trip is extra sweet because we are also raising awareness.”

“Concussions have become a problem in our game and other sporting codes, including those played in Australia and it is important to know when one occurs how to deal with it appropriately.”

When asked if their camaraderie in raising awareness for concussions will impact on their game against each other, Konopka said his team would not lie down for Quincey’s.

“I have played against Kyle on a number of occasions,” Konopka said. “And we are both ambassadors… but that does not mean my USA team are going to lie down for them.”

“Far from it, when our two countries go head to head, it’s do what it takes.”

“Right from an early age, I loved sport, all kinds of sport, and no matter what or who I play, I want to win.”

Quincey said the series, with the players they are bringing over, is going to be fast paced and high scoring.

“Whenever we take on the USA it’s always a good battle, with both sides wanting bragging rights on that plane home,” he said.

The Canada v USA – International Ice Hockey exhibition will be held at Melbourne’s Hisense Arena on June 14 and 15 and Sydney’s Allphones Arena on June 22. Ticket prices begin at $79. To buy tickets, go to http://premier.ticketek.com.au/Shows/Show.aspx?sh=ICEHOCKE13#.UWFNsJNmiSo.