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MOSCOW — In Russia, it's never too early, and they're never too young for hockey practice.
Before dawn this rink in Moscow is buzzing, 5-year-olds getting their gear on or, actually, 5-year-olds sitting there while their parents help them get their gear on.
Helmeted up with a kiss, it's time to hit the ice, and many of them do — over and over and over.
But when I stepped out there I learned pretty quickly they can skate, too.
Hockey is Russia's national sport, but these kids and their parents have their eyes on the U.S. and the NHL.
Alexei Deeve runs the youth league, and tries to keep expectations in check.
"It's really tough to make the NHL from here," Deeve said. "It's only going to be one maybe two people."
Seventy-five percent of Russia's Olympic team in Sochi plays in the NHL, including one of the league's best, Alex Ovechkin.
Ovechkin is the star right-winger for the Washington Capitals, and he's so good D.C. gave him the key to the city.
But all that will be pushed aside, there is a score team Russia wants to settle.
At Lake Placid in 1980, Team U.S.A. ousted the Soviet Union in the semifinals before beating Finland in the gold medal.
Remember Al Michaels' famous line, "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!!!!"
More than 30 years later, the Russians now have home ice advantage.
"Can you imagine your parents, your friends, all your country watching you and you just have a Russian jersey, Russian flag and go," Ovechkin said.
An informal poll likes Russia's chances.
When asked about who is going to win between the U.S. and the Russians these kids answered without hesitation — Russia.
The future Olympians set the bar high for themselves and their heroes.
