Fifteen Oxford hockey players will be leaving Aug. 24 for the land of Vikings and Volvos.
The players, along with three others from high schools throughout Oakland County, will be spending a little over a week in Sweden playing hockey and soaking up the Scandinavian way of life.
Dave Hague, coach of the Oxford High School varsity hockey team, said the trip, arranged through the Canada-based Moore Sports Tours, will give his players an experience that’s both ‘memorable? and ‘cultural.?
The ‘trip of a lifetime? is how Michelle Hrischuk, mother of goalie and OHS sophomore Corey Hrischuk, described the upcoming journey to Scandinavia.
While in Sweden, players will visit the cities of Stockholm (the nation’s capital), Sandviken and Tyreso.
Players will live with host families with whom they will share meals, spend quality time learning Swedish culture and exchange contact information.
Each player will be partnered with a Swedish student as they spend a day at Tyreso Gymnasium (high school) attending classes.
Hague found it interesting that hockey is more than just a sport in Swedish schools, it’s part of curriculum.
‘They actually have hockey as a class there,? he said. ‘They go from algebra to social studies to hockey.?
Players will get a firsthand lesson in European hockey when they hit the ice to take on four Swedish high school teams.
So, how does American style hockey compare with its European counterpart?
‘Really the big difference is speed and finesse,? said Hague, referring to European play. ‘There’s not going to be a lot of checking. There’s not going to be a lot of physical play.?
After each exhibition, players on both teams will discuss the game, compare styles and exchange gifts.
Swedish history will come alive for the players as they visit the Vasa Museum in Stockholm.
The Vasa was a 17 century galleon built to fight Poland and strengthen Sweden’s command of the Baltic Sea.
It sank in 100 feet of water in Stockholm Harbor on its maiden voyage August 10, 1628. It was discovered in 1956 and recovered in 1961.
Players will journey even further back in Sweden’s history when they tour the Arsunda Viking Village in Sandviken, a historical re-creation that allows visitors to live like a Viking for a few hours.
Because the Oxford hockey team is completely self-funded by parents, players and private donations, funding for this trip is still needed.
Hrischuk estimated the team needs to raise an additional $5,000 to cover things such as health insurance coverage (most U.S. plans won’t cover players while in Sweden) and practice time on the ice.
‘We are asking for help from out community, friends and family in supporting this trip,? Hrischuk said.
As such, the team’s looking for local businesses or groups to become sponsors.
The players are also willing to do odd jobs ? such as yard work, car detailing, handyman jobs ? to earn cash.
Returnable bottles and cans are currently being collected to raise money for the trip. They can be dropped off at 1188 Somerville Drive in the Oxford Woods subdivision off W. Drahner Road.
For more information about sponsorships or how to make a donation, please contact Michelle Hrischuk at (248) 969-0397 or e-mail jmhrischuk@charter.net.
Please make all checks payable to ‘Oxford Hockey.?

Players heading to Scandinavia
From Oxford ? Justin Ziegelbaur, Corey Hrischuk, Elliot Wicker, Matt Zaun, Will Buday, David Simpson, Brian Simpson, Tim Marney, Logan Fulk, Travis Collier, Brian Soutar, Peter Elezaj, Paul Elezaj, Anthony Barile and Kyle Washer

Also going:
Ryan Kamlay ? Troy Athens High
Brandon Johnson ? Nortre Dame Prep
Ben Globke ? Farmington Hills