If it’s internatonal hockey you like, this is the week for it!

The Western Hockey League schedule is idle until Friday while Team W-H-L meets the Russians Monday night in Kamloops and Tuesday in Vancouver to start the annual C-H-L-Russia Series. Centre Kirby Dach of the Saskatoon Blades will be on the W-H-L roster. The Blue and Gold’s next action is Friday in Medicine Hat.

Meanwhile, the Blades are out of their home building as the Four Nations Cup, international women’s tournament takes over SaskTel Centre this week. On Sunday, Rebecca Johnston and Melodie Daoust both had a power-play goal and two assists in Canada’s 6-0 win over Finland in a Four Nations Cup tune-up in Prince Albert. The Finns play the United States Tuesday at noon while Canada meets Sweden at 7 to start the tournament proper. It runs through Saturday.

Also, another international hockey tournament is underway in Saint John, New Brunswick and area. Neither of the Blades’ content on Team Canada Black made their way onto the scoresheet in a 5-4 overtime loss to Team Canada White in opening day action at the World Under-17 Challenge. Defenceman Aidan De La Gourgendiere and left winger Kyle Crnkovic and Canada Black take on the Czech Republic Monday afternoon.