By Sandra Harwitt

Canadian Fed Cup team went out in Quebec’s sub-freezing temperatures on Friday to kick into gear for this weekend’s Fed Cup first round tie against defending champion Czech Republic.

This marks Canada’s first time in the Fed Cup World Group. The Canadian team is without Genie Bouchard, who chose not to play for her country, which was the wrong decision. Those honored to play for Canada are No. 185 Gabriela Dabrowski in first singles, No. 230 Francoise Abanda in second singles, and Sharon Fichman in doubles with Dabrowski. Fichman is ranked No. 134, but it not 100% fit. Not scheduled to play is young Charlotte Robillard-Millette.

In the photo, in front of an ice castle and with Winter Carnivale mascot Bonhomme, are (from left to right) Abanda, Robillard-Millette, Ficham and Dabronski.

The Czechs are without their star player as well with Petra Kvitova as well as recent Australian Open doubles champion Lucie Safarova sitting out this tie. On the card for the Czechs is No. 22 Karolina Pliskova, No. 62 Tereza Smitkova , Denisa Allertova and doubles sensation Lucie Hradecka.

The Czechs have won the Fed Cup title three of the last four years.