It’s been a long two years without hockey but that time away gave Team Brazil the opportunity to practice, host tryouts and put together the strong team competing here at the Masters World Inline Tournament.

“First of all, we’re very happy to be here,” said Rafael Magalhaes, captain and manager of Team Brazil.

“For the last two years, we have traveled all over Brazil and that gave us a chance to take a look at every single talented player we have. It gave us the chance to put together this very special group.” Indeed, Magalhaes is very confident in the team here.

“We believe that we have a faster and more experienced team than last time [in 2019],” he said. “It is an honor to be here and representing Brazil — we’re all very excited to play against the best teams in the world.”

But getting here wasn’t without its challenges, Magalhaes shared.

“It was very difficult for us to come here because of Covid, war and financial situations, but we will for sure do our best to show the world real Brazilian Hockey. Our goal, of course, is to play the best hockey we can but to also increase our position in team rankings,” he said. This year also marks another special occasion for Team Brazil as this is the first time the country is coming with a Veterans Team as well as a Masters Team.

“Being here is a great opportunity for the older players to experience the best hockey in the world,” said Magalhaes. “The facilities this year [at Intercable Arena] are unbelievable and everybody is even more excited than ever to play on this rink!”

M Cruise