Grudge match to have electric atmosphere

AMERICAN sports aficionados Brodie Smith and Alipate Carlile are happy to watch safe in the stands when the Wayne Gretzky Ice Hockey Classic hits town next month.

A file picture of Wayne Gretzky for the New York Rangers in action in 1997.

AMERICAN sports aficionados Brodie Smith and Alipate Carlile are happy to watch safe in the stands when the Wayne Gretzky Ice Hockey Classic hits town next month.

A cavalcade of North American Ice Hockey superstars will converge on June 24 at the Entertainment Centre for a much anticipated United States versus Canada grudge match presented by Scotiabank.

Adelaide half-back Brodie Smith fell in love with ice hockey on a visit to America last year and can’t wait to watch former New Jersey Devils captain Bryce Salvador and US legend John Scott in action. Scott captained the Pacific Division team to victory in the NHL All-Stars Game this year.

“I went over to America last October for NBA, NFL and ice hockey as well. I developed a passion for American sports while I was there,” Smith said.

“The atmosphere and how electrifying the games are is something we can adopt. I love the physicality of ice hockey.”

The Gretsky Classic — which visits Adelaide for the first time — will raise awareness and funds for the STOPCONCUSSIONS Foundation in association with Brain Injury Australia. “Concern for the head has to be there in physical sports as it affects you off field as well. It’s great there is more awareness now,” said Smith.

Carlile, who stands 192cm and 98cm, loves ice hockey but would draw the line at putting the skates on. “You have an appreciation for how fast they move and rough it is on the body,” he said.

Originally published as Grudge match to have electric atmosphere