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Islanders heading to World University Games

Islanders heading to World University Games

Three Prince Edward Islanders are heading to the World University Games next week in Granada, Spain.

The Universiade, which happens every two years, includes a slew of winter sports. Bruce Donaldson and Chris Gallant are both from Charlottetown. Donaldson is assistant coach of the women's hockey team going to the event. Gallant is lead on the men's curling team.

“It's got a really kind of an Olympics vibe,” said Gallant.

“It's got the opening ceremonies and everything, and the whole team for all the sports is together as a nation, with people there to cheer you on and you to cheer them on too.”

Bruce Donaldson was pleased to receive his official Team Canada Universiade clothing.

“When you put that jacket on it's a pretty cool feeling,” he said.

The first game for the women's hockey team is Feb. 4 against Kazakhstan. UPEI’s Keirsten Visser, from Crapaud, is one of 20 players, recruited from coast to coast for that team. Canada's women have brought home the gold from the last three winter Universiades.

The men's curling team's first match is Feb. 5 against the U.S.

P.E.I. has one other connection to the games. UPEI student Reagan Mills of Truro, N.S. is competing in the biathlon. He was disqualified from his first event Sunday, but competes again in the 10 km sprint Tuesday.