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Launch of 30KW Generator Set at Jiaonan Pharmaceutical 12-02-2024 10:34 PM CET | Industry, Real Estate & Construction Press release from: ABNewswire Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/uploads/5f4fa59f5d6b040c197408fca9b595b8.png Jiaonan, Shandong Province - The Jiaonan Pharmaceutical Company is proud to announce the successful installation and commissioning of a new 30KW generator set, marking a significant enhancement in our operational capacity and energy sustainability. This state-of-the-art generator will play a crucial role in ensuring continuous power supply to our manufacturing and research facilities. In a sector where reliability and consistency are paramount, the new generator will serve as a backup power source, bolstering our commitment to maintaining uninterrupted production processes and safeguarding sensitive pharmaceutical research. "The installation of the 30KW generator is a pivotal step in our ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency and resilience," said zhuang, the manager of Jiaonan Pharmaceutical. "As we continue to innovate and expand, having a reliable power source is essential to support our pioneering work in the pharmaceutical industry." The generator was sourced from Shandong Super Power technology Co., LTD, a leader in power generation technology, and features advanced fuel efficiency and emission controls, aligning with Jiaonan Pharmaceutical's commitment to environmentally sustainable practices. The integration of this generator not only ensures compliance with increasing energy demands but also reflects our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint. In addition to enhancing power reliability, the new generator will also support upcoming production lines and research initiatives, enabling Jiaonan Pharmaceutical to expand its capacity to meet the growing demands of both domestic and international markets. The commissioning ceremony was attended by company executives, engineering staff, and local government officials, all enthusiastic about this investment in Jiaonan's future. The event highlighted the company's commitment to technological advancement and operational excellence in the pharmaceutical sector. As Jiaonan Pharmaceutical continues to grow, the company remains dedicated to investing in state-of-the-art technologies that support health and well-being. The new 30KW generator set is a testament to our commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability. COMPANY PROFILE Shandong Super Power Technology Co., Ltd. was established in 2018 and is located in Weifang City, Shandong Province. It is a professional company engaged in the research and development of gas power products A high-tech enterprise that integrates production, sales, and services, with independent import and export rights. Why choose us The company's management, product research and development, and production teams adhere to the development philosophy of "humanization, personalization, intelligence, and specialization", focusing on products. This unwavering attitude has driven a relentless focus on product improvement and the continuous improvement of the quality and performance of the "Sportage" brand series gas generator sets. Media Contact Company Name: Shandong Super Power Technology Co., Ltd. Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=launch-of-30kw-generator-set-at-jiaonan-pharmaceutical ] Country: China Website: https://www.cn-superpower.com/ This release was published on openPR.

Guest Opinion: Tulsi Gabbard: The Trump Cabinet pick most likely to fail, by Doyle McManusPresident Claudio Lotito explains how Lazio went from pre-season protests to their best ever start. ‘Some people had got too comfortable, we brought in those with hunger.’ The Biancocelesti had to deal with when going from Maurizio Sarri to Igor Tudor and eventually Marco Baroni in charge, while the supporters were also critical of the transfer strategy. Nonetheless, keeps them in second place and never before had Lazio done better than nine wins in the first 13 rounds. “Baroni is the right man in the right place at the right moment,” “We chose him because we thought he was suited to our requirements. We needed to both win and be convincing, which is what we are doing. “We’ve created a big family where everyone has their role. We restructured everything around the club, seeing as there were some people who were a little too comfortable, bringing in those with hunger.” Among the figures who left in recent months are Ciro Immobile, Luis Alberto and Felipe Anderson, along with director of sport Igli Tare, who was in the DAZN studio as a pundit. Tare noted that the mood was similar to the one Lazio had in 2019-20 when they were top of the table until the season was interrupted by the pandemic. “I agree and remember that experience, where I delayed some changes because I was fond of the people who represented a sense of belonging,” replied Lotito. “We needed a revamp and completely different people who were highly-motivated, but must also maintain their humility. We haven’t achieved anything yet and difficult moments still await us.” Lazio are not only second in Serie A, but also the only team in the Europa League still with a 100 per cent record after four rounds. Another victory against Ludogorets on Thursday would effectively book their slot in the Round of 16, so have the players asked Lotito to add any performance-related bonuses to their contracts? “That does not suit our approach. In a family, the head of the family sees how people are behaving and evaluates if they deserve rewards,” replied the President. “Players are paid for their performances. Here we want a family atmosphere where everyone gives their contribution, everyone is united, everyone is useful and nobody is indispensable. “So far, they seem convinced that Lazio is a destination and not a stepping stone to somewhere else. Now we have also started work on the youth academy, building another seven training pitches.”

HOUSTON , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OptiSigns, a leader in digital signage software solutions, is thrilled to announce its participation as a Platinum Sponsor in this year's Digital Signage Experience (DSE) 2024, taking place this December in Las Vegas, Nevada . The highly anticipated event, a premier gathering for digital signage innovators, professionals, and enthusiasts, will provide the perfect stage for OptiSigns to unveil its latest advancements and engage with industry leaders. Visitors of DSE 2024 will have the opportunity to experience firsthand how OptiSigns' powerful and user-friendly platform is transforming how businesses communicate, engage, and inform their audiences. From dynamic content scheduling to seamless integrations and real-time updates, OptiSigns' solutions are designed to meet the needs of businesses across industries, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and more. "At OptiSigns, we are passionate about empowering businesses with technology that engages audiences and drives results," said Head of Sales John Shelley. "We are excited to connect with industry professionals at DSE 2024, showcase our solutions, and demonstrate how digital signage can transform communication strategies." DSE 2024 will take place from December 9, 2024 , to December 10, 2024 , at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada , and promises to bring together key players and thought leaders in digital signage, offering a unique platform to explore the latest technologies and network with industry professionals. What to Expect from OptiSigns at DSE 2024: Live Demonstrations: Visitors of DSE can visit OptiSigns booth #3134 to explore the intuitive features of the OptiSigns platform and learn how it can simplify and enhance digital signage management. Using OptiSigns innovative technology like the Pro Player and Android Stick, visitors will be treated to LIVE Demos of unique OptiSigns features like Audience Intelligence, the OptiSync Data Management System, and the Lift and Learn Interactive Kiosk Experience. New Product Announcements: Stop by OptiSigns booth #3134 and be the first to see the newest innovative Pro Max technology designed by OptiSigns and learn more about unique updates that will redefine the digital signage landscape. Our newest Pro Max technology is our most powerful digital signage player that supports 8K or 4x4K video walls. With OptiSigns experts onsite, visitors will have the opportunity to discuss trends, best practices, and strategies for maximizing the impact of digital signage. Exclusive Giveaways and Promotions: Attendees visiting OptiSigns booth #3134 will have access to special offers, giveaways, and prizes. This year, OptiSigns will unleash their interactive Opti Claw Machine, tantalizing visitors with a chance to win OptiSigns Android Sticks, Pro Players, Optibot Keychains, and more. One lucky winner will win a brand new PS5 Pro via a LinkedIn competition, and the winner will be announced LIVE at DSE! For more information on the PS5 giveaway, check out OptiSigns' LinkedIn page. About OptiSigns OptiSigns is a leading digital signage software provider dedicated to helping businesses create engaging, impactful content experiences. Focusing on simplicity, scalability, and innovation, OptiSigns empowers organizations to communicate their message effectively and captivate their audience through digital displays. For more information on OptiSigns, visit www.optisigns.com or follow us on all social media @OptiSignsInc. Media Contact: Aisha Albritton Director of Trade Show Strategy and Event Marketing Aisha.Albritton@OptiSigns.com | (404) 641-0613 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/optisigns-to-showcase-cutting-edge-digital-signage-solutions-at-the-digital-signage-experience-2024-in-las-vegas-302320107.html SOURCE OptiSignsTo honour the life and legacy of the late French artist Valérie Goutard, The Siam Hotel forms a natural setting for "Expression Of A Siamese Freedom", which is running until Jan 31. Featuring 23 sculptures, this retrospective reveals the artist's unique creative path, deeply rooted in Thailand, a place that was both her sanctuary and her springboard to international acclaim. The artist, better known as Val, moved to Bangkok in 2004. Inspired by the spirit of Thailand, she embraced her identity as a sculptor in a place that granted her the freedom to fully explore and express her talent. Here, Val not only honed her craft but also learned the intricate art of bronze casting from Thai masters, building a local team that helped her realise her monumental creations. Thailand became the nurturing ground for her vision, and her works embody the harmony, introspection and freedom she found in this country. "Expression Of A Siamese Freedom" is not merely an exhibition title, it is a tribute to the profound impact that the country had on Val's life and work, a place that empowered her to develop a universal language in her art, accessible to all. Characterised by an interplay of structure and empty space, each sculpture invites viewers to explore themes of humanity, nature and introspection. With stunning views of the Chao Phraya River as a backdrop, the sculptures merge seamlessly with the hotel's architecture and landscapes, creating a sense of awe-inspiring magnificence that complements Val's work. Amid Bangkok's vibrant art scene, this exhibition offers a tranquil yet powerful experience, celebrating the life of an artist whose work resonates with the essence of Siam. The Siam Hotel is on Khao Road. Call 02-206-6999.New Orleans police arrest man accused of killing paradegoers during multiple mass shootings

‘Pretty clear’ Christian Barmore got held on game-deciding 2-point play, says Jerod MayoINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions spent three months scoring at a historic rate. Now with the weather changing outside, they’re winning with old school football, too. Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for two scores , David Montgomery added a third TD run and Detroit's increasingly stingy defense kept the Indianapolis Colts out of the end zone on Sunday, leading the Lions to their ninth straight win, 24-6. “This is, whatever it is, 10 quarters without allowing a touchdown and the three last games in the second half we're not allowing it,” coach Dan Campbell said. “We talk about it all the time — limiting points, play physical style, shut down the run — we were able to do that.” They've been doing it all season in their greatest run in decades, but have been more effective lately and it has shown. The Lions improved to 10-1 for the first time since 1934, their inaugural season in the Motor City. They own the league's longest active winning streak and are 6-0 on the road this season. While the Lions have scored points by the dozens all season, Campbell's preference for physical football means they're equally capable of grinding out wins with the combination of a ball-control offense and an ascending defense that propelled them to this win. Gibbs finished with 21 carries for 90 yards on a day Goff went 26 of 36 with 269 yards and no touchdowns. And for the third straight week, all against AFC South foes, the Lions had a second-half shutout. “If you can win on the road, you're normally a pretty damn good team,” Campbell said. “And we can win on the road.” The Colts (5-7) found out the hard way by losing their second straight home game and for the fourth time in their past five games. Anthony Richardson had another up-and-down game , going 11 of 28 with 172 yards while rushing 10 times for 61 yards. But it was Indy's inability to finish drives with touchdowns that again cost the team. That flaw was evident right from the start when Richardson took the Colts inside the Lions 5-yard line on the game's first series and settled for a short field goal when they couldn't punch it in. “We've got to take advantage of our opportunities,” Colts coach Shane Steichen said. “This league comes down to inches, it comes down to yards and you've got to take advantage of those opportunities. We've had issues down in the red zone and you have to look at the tape and clean it up.” Detroit made Indy pay dearly for its offensive miscues. Gibbs' 1-yard TD run on the Lions' second series made it 7-3 early in the second quarter and after Indy settled for another short field goal, Montgomery spun his way across the goal line for a 6-yard TD and a 14-6 lead. Detroit's defense made sure that was all the scoring punch it needed. “Those players, we've been around each other long enough, they've been around each other to know exactly what we're looking for,” Campbell said. “We have an identity about us. We know the critical factors as they pertain to winning, and those guys take that stuff serious.” Gibbs' 5-yard TD run late in the third quarter gave Detroit a 21-6 lead and they closed it out with a 56-yard field goal midway through the fourth. Amon-Ra St. Brown caught six passes for 62 yards for Detroit while Michael Pittman Jr. had six catches for 96 yards for Indy despite leaving briefly in the first half with an injured shoulder. Gibbs' first score extended Detroit's league record to 25 consecutive games with a TD run, including the playoffs. He's also the third Lions player with 1,000 scrimmage yards and 10 TDs in each of his first two pro seasons with Detroit, joining Billy Sims and Barry Sanders. Gibbs and Montgomery have each scored at least one TD in the same game nine times. Lions: Things got ugly during a third-quarter flurry. Receiver-punt returner Kalif Raymond (foot), left tackle Taylor Decker (right leg) and Montgomery (shoulder) all left in quick succession. Raymond and Montgomery did not return. Decker did. CB Carlton Davis II left early in the fourth with what appeared to be a left knee injury. Colts: Indy deactivated left tackle Bernhard Raimann (knee), forcing the Colts to again use three rookie linemen. Receivers Ashton Dulin (ankle) and Josh Downs (shoulder) both left in the second half. Downs returned, Dulin did not. Lions: Host Chicago in its traditional Thanksgiving Day game. Colts: Visit New England next Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Before you dive into holiday shopping, learn how to spot common scams and protect yourself. Fraudsters commonly send phishing emails and text messages impersonating delivery services or popular retailers like Amazon. These messages, which typically claim there’s an issue with processing or delivering the order, may request payment information or include malicious links. A message might say something like, “Part of your address is missing. Please click on this link to complete the address,” says Raj Dasgupta, senior director of global advisory at BioCatch, a fraud-prevention firm. If you get a similar message when you’re not expecting a package, that should raise doubts, Dasgupta says. But even if you have ordered something, don’t overlook warning signs. It’s unusual for delivery services to hold up packages or seek payment, because shipping costs are almost always charged to the shipper, not the receiver, says Cliff Steinhauer, director of information security and engagement at the nonprofit National Cybersecurity Alliance. Avoid clicking on links in texts or emails, and don’t share personal or payment details. To verify whether an order update is genuine, “go back to your original order on the site,” Steinhauer says. You can log in and check the order status and reach out to customer service directly if there’s a problem, he says. When shopping online, carefully scrutinize sellers and products to avoid winding up with counterfeit items — or nothing at all. Sponsored ads on social media sites and search engines aren’t always vetted enough, Steinhauer says, which means you may come across scams. Fraudsters buy Google ads for desirable products, such as exercise equipment, Dasgupta says. When people click on these ads, they might land on a “sophisticated-looking fake website” that mimics a well-known site, such as Macy’s, or on a made-up company’s page, he says. Shoppers never receive the product they’re attempting to purchase, or they get an inferior product. Ignore “sponsored” links, and read URLs closely. There will usually be “something off,” Steinhauer says, such as a slight misspelling or dashes in the website name that aren’t normally there. “The best thing is to go to the legitimate website or app that you know is the right one, and just shop there,” he says. Watch for third-party seller scams on legitimate websites, too. Some companies, such as Walmart and Target, allow outside vendors to sell merchandise through their platforms — and the reliability can vary. Reading seller reviews before you buy can help you avoid bad actors. Be wary of sellers who ask for gift cards or peer-to-peer payments. If a service like Venmo or Cash App is the only payment method accepted, that’s an immediate red flag, Dasgupta says. And if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. “Quishing” is when scammers create QR codes that link to fraudulent websites or install malware on devices. These codes may show up on parking meters, in mysterious packages delivered to your physical address or in your email inbox. For example, a scammer posing as your bank might email you a code and instruct you to update your login credentials. Email services often filter out known malicious links or domains and send them to your spam folder, Steinhauer says, but a QR code can get past these filters because it’s an image. Don’t scan codes you receive unexpectedly, and closely inspect QR codes in public places for signs of tampering. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 2, 2024-- Accel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: ACEL) and Fairmount Holdings, Inc. today announced the successful closure of their transaction where Accel has acquired the owner of the FanDuel Sportsbook & Racetrack, for total consideration of approximately 3.45 million shares of Accel Class A-1 common stock. The strategic transaction adds a promising single site racetrack and future casino to extend Accel’s convenience gaming expertise to a larger and more concentrated form factor – an adjacency in locals gaming that is complementary to Accel’s steadily growing, route-based footprint. During the year ended December 31, 2023, Fairmount generated $29 million of revenue and modest Adjusted EBITDA from the site’s existing sportsbook, racetrack and 3 OTB locations. Accel plans to invest $85-95 million to fund Phase I and then Phase II casino construction and modest track investments. Accel’s five-year forecast suggests an Adjusted EBITDA potential of $20 to $25 million and over 75% free cash flow conversion – pointing to a compelling cash flow return on capital. The asset will be the cornerstone in a local gaming platform that builds on Accel’s capabilities and strengths as a leading route-based operator. “We are excited to close the acquisition of Fairmount and eager to refresh and revitalize an iconic racing and gaming asset. Our plan and timeline are ambitious and achievable, and we look forward to welcoming investors and visitors to our Phase I casino opening in Q2, 2025,” said Andy Rubenstein, Accel co-founder, President, CEO and Director. Mark, Phelan, Accel’s President of U.S. Gaming added “Over the past few months, our team has been hard at work. We’ve hired a Casino General Manager, received approvals from both the Illinois Gaming Board and Illinois Racing Board and finalized design and development plans for the first phase of the casino.” Compelling Strategic Rationale The transaction has been approved by Accel’s Board of Directors, the Board of Directors and shareholders of Fairmount Holdings. Wells Fargo acted as exclusive financial advisor and Lewis Rice LLC acted as legal counsel to Fairmount Holdings in connection with the transaction. About Accel Accel is a leading distributed gaming operator in the United States and a preferred partner for local business owners in the markets it serves. Accel offers turnkey full-service gaming solutions to authorized non-casino locations such as bars, restaurants, convenience stores, truck stops, and fraternal and veteran establishments across the country. Accel installs, maintains, operates and services gaming terminals and related equipment for its location partners as well as redemption devices, stand-alone ATMs and amusement devices, including jukeboxes, dartboards, pool tables, and other entertainment related equipment. Accel also designs and manufactures gaming terminals and related equipment. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, any statements regarding the proposed acquisition, including statements regarding the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, investment and expansion plans, projected future results and market opportunities, as well as our estimates of number of gaming terminals, locations, revenues, Adjusted EBITDA and capital expenditures, our ability to generate returns on capital and improve our trading multiple. The words “predict,” “estimated,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “would,” “continue,” and similar expressions or the negatives thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements represent our current reasonable expectations, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, Accel regarding Fairmount, the acquisition or its anticipated effects or benefits, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or Fairmount’s actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the forward-looking statements, and you should be aware that results and events could differ materially and adversely from those contained in the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors including, but not limited to: Accel’s ability to integrate Fairmount’s operations with Accel’s own, to complete the casino development on a timely basis and within budget, and to operate the race track and casino businesses successfully; Accel’s ability to operate in existing markets or expand into new jurisdictions; Accel’s ability to offer new and innovative products and services that fulfill the needs of location partners and create strong and sustained player appeal; Accel’s dependence on relationships with key manufacturers, developers and third parties to obtain gaming terminals, amusement machines, and related supplies, programs, and technologies for its business on acceptable terms; the negative impact on Accel’s future results of operations by the slow growth in demand for gaming terminals and by the slow growth of new gaming jurisdictions; Accel’s heavy dependency on its ability to win, maintain and renew contracts with location partners; unfavorable macroeconomic conditions or decreased discretionary spending due to other factors such as interest rate volatility, persistent inflation, actual or perceived instability in the U.S. and global banking systems, high fuel rates, recessions, epidemics or other public health issues, terrorist activity or threat thereof, civil unrest or other macroeconomic or political uncertainties, that could adversely affect Accel’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial conditions, Accel’s ability to integrate, develop and operate FanDuel Sportsbook & Racetrack and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in documents filed or to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, forward-looking statements, including any projections or analysis, should not be viewed as factual and should not be relied upon as an accurate prediction of future results. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Accel. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control), or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,2023 filed by Accel with the SEC on February 28, 2024 (the "Form 10-K"), as well as Accel’s other filings with the SEC. Except as required by law, we do not undertake publicly to update or revise these statements, even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed in this or other press releases or future quarterly reports, or company statements will not be realized. In addition, the inclusion of any statement in this press release does not constitute an admission by us that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. In addition, the industry in which we operate is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors including those described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K, as well as Accel’s other filings with the SEC. These and other factors could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed in this press release. Non-GAAP Financial Information This press release includes certain financial information not prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (“GAAP”), including Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow, and Net Debt. EBITDA, Free Cash Flow and Net Debt are non-GAAP financial measures and are key metrics used to monitor ongoing core operations. Management of Accel believes such non-GAAP financial measures enhance the understanding of Accel’s underlying drivers of profitability and trends in Accel’s business and facilitates company-to-company and period-to-period comparisons, because these non-GAAP financial measures exclude the effects of certain non-cash items, represents certain nonrecurring items that are unrelated to core performance, or excludes non-core operations. Management of Accel also believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are used by investors, analysts and other interested parties as measures of financial performance. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241202466306/en/ CONTACT: Investors Mathew Ellis Chief Financial Officer Accel Entertainment, Inc. 630-972-2235ir@accelentertainment.comMedia Eric Bonach H/Advisors Abernathy 212-371-5999eric.bonach@h-advisors.global KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA ILLINOIS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CASINO/GAMING GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT MOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SOURCE: Accel Entertainment, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/02/2024 04:30 PM/DISC: 12/02/2024 04:32 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241202466306/enSNP has left the NHS 'fighting for its life', damning report warnsPathstone Holdings LLC Increases Stock Position in Graco Inc. (NYSE:GGG)

My Book World with Temitope LakisokunThe Ravens looked better defensively last week, but now Roquan Smith's injury is a concern

Ukrainian girls’ team finds hockey haven at Wickenheiser festival CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — A Ukrainian girls’ hockey team is in Canada for a few days of peace and hockey in an arena that doesn’t have a missile-sized hole in its roof. Canadian Press Nov 27, 2024 3:30 PM Nov 27, 2024 3:50 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — A Ukrainian girls’ hockey team is in Canada for a few days of peace and hockey in an arena that doesn’t have a missile-sized hole in its roof. After 56 hours of travel to Calgary, including a 24-hour bus ride from Dnipro to Warsaw, Poland, that required army escort for a portion of it, the Ukrainian Wings will join Wickfest, Hayley Wickenheiser’s annual girls’ hockey festival, on Thursday. The squad of players aged 11 to 13 was drawn from eight different cities in Ukraine, where sport facilities have been damaged or destroyed since Russia started its invasion in February 2022. “They all have a personal story of something awful happening,” said Wickenheiser. “We give them a week of peace and joy here, and I hope they can carry that with them. “We know full well they’re going back to difficult circumstances. It’s tough that way.” Nine players are from Kharkiv, where pictures show a large hole in the roof of the Saltovskiy Led arena where the girls’ team WHC Panthers once skated. “It was our home ice arena, and we played all our national team championships in this ice arena,” said Kateryna Seredenko, who oversees the Panthers program and is the Wings general manager. Ukraine’s Olympic Committee posted photos and wrote in a Facebook post Sept. 1 that Kharkiv’s Sport Palace, which was home to multiple hockey teams, was also destroyed in an attack on the city. Seredenko says the Wings’ arduous journey to Calgary was worth it because it gives the girls hope. “It’s not a good situation in Ukraine, but when they come here, they can believe that everything will be good, everything will be fine, of course we will win soon and we must play hockey. We can’t stop because we love these girls and we will do everything for them,” she said. “So many girls on this Ukrainian team are future players of the national team.” Wickenheiser, a Hockey Hall of Famer , is the assistant general manager of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs and a doctor who works emergency room shifts in the Toronto area. The six-time Olympian and four-time gold medalist organized her first Wickfest after the 2010 Winter Games. She’s had teams from India, Mexico and the Czech Republic attend over the last decade and a half, but never a team that ran the Ukrainians’ gauntlet of logistics. The Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health took on the task of arranging visas and paying for the team’s travel. “We care about women and children’s health. Sport is such a symbol. When you see a group of girls coming off the ice all sweaty and having worked hard on the ice, it’s a symbol of a healthy girl,” said chief executive officer Julia Anderson. “That’s a healthy kid that’s able to participate in sport. We really believe if we can get girls there, whether they’re in an active war zone, or here in Canada, those girls will change the world.” The Wings aren’t the first Ukrainians to seek a hockey haven in Canada since the war began. An under-25 men’s team played four games against university squads in early 2023 to prepare for that year’s world university games. Ukrainian teams have also twice played in the Quebec City International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. “It’s the first time in Ukrainian history where a girls’ team is coming to Canada to a very good tournament,” Seredenko said. “They can see how they can play in their future. And they can see how it is to play hockey in Canada.” ___ AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Alberta News Alberta's pledge to take over ownership of emissions data 'irresponsible': Guilbeault Nov 27, 2024 3:28 PM Bail denied for woman accused in child's drowning death at Alberta lake Nov 27, 2024 3:19 PM Industry not consulted on Alberta's plan to challenge federal emissions cap Nov 27, 2024 2:02 PMFrankSpeech Broadcast Network Surges in Q3 2024: Record Growth in Viewers and Platform ExpansionElon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams