06.06.2014 | Lukas Peroutka

Hasek from Pardubice? Of course I know him, claims Brazilian goalie Ruane

There are not many hockey arenas in Brazil. In fact, there is not even much ice. Hearts of fans are captured by many different sports other than ice hockey and related fields. However, Team Brazil is present at this year´s IIHF Inline World Championship and despite odds being against them, they can look back at the tournament with a lot of pride.

Pardubice hosts the world inline championship for the second time in four years. Brazil was not present on the first occasion, but they make their mark this year. “We know our team at the championship is not bad, although we obviously cannot compare ourselves with best teams. A quarterfinal loss is bad for us, but Slovenia was very well prepared,” says goalie All Ruane.

Brazil managed to play a tight game against Japan and even beat Hungary in arguably the most surprising result of the tournament. “Our country dominates in other sports than this one. We don´t have good conditions for hockey. But as far as I know, quite a lot of people follow us online,” adds Ruane, no. 1 goalie on the team.

“I was looking forward to coming to the Czech Republic and Pardubice very much. I am here for the very first time and I like it very much. And of course I know that famous Czech goalie Dominik Hasek played for Pardubice,” smiles the Brazilian player.

With his teammates in the dressing room behind , the first comment on Czech food & drink culture was in a serious tone. “I have absolutely no idea about drinking beer here in the Czech Republic,” claims Ruane while his team exploded in laughter. “Well, I have to admit we had some beer and it is really excellent.”

The free day on Wednesday offered teams and players a welcomed chance to explore the town and its surroundings. “We all borrowed bikes and went out for a ride around town. From time to time, we also had some beer,” smiles the goalie. “If I have a chance, I´d be more than happy to come back here for another tournament,” adds Ruane.

There is no scheduled game.