[Rando]

Bringing in Iya Gavrilova as a translator has allowed Russian players to thrive at development camp

https://www.nhl.com/flames/news/brid...ap/c-308202282

Gavrilova has proven to be a perfect conduit, owning a rich extensive hockey background, participating as she has in three Winter Olympic Games for her homeland - 2006 in Turin, 2010 in Vancouver and 2014 in Sochi - along with collecting two World Women's Championship bronze medals.

She's also played with distinction for the U of C Dinos while obtaining a second degree, a BA in Economics, and a season in the now-shuttered Canadian Women's Hockey League for the Calgary Inferno.

The experience has been a kick for Gavrilova, too. She now works in the energy sector as an analyst and has made Calgary her home.

"These guys have been really good this week,'' she emphasizes. "Really open-minded, which helps in meetings. They've been encouraged to ask questions, not be afraid. 'We're here to help you.' That's been the message and they've taken it to heart.

"They've really enjoyed themselves. The first thing they noticed, they talked about, is how much everyone has taken care of them. They weren't expecting this. One of them said the first day: 'People have done so much for us, it's crazy.'

"Just the kindness of Canadians and the organization. I think they've possibly been shocked by that, in a good way.