New level of ice hockey cooperation between Russia and Serbia

The Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) signed memorandums of cooperation with the Serbian Ice Hockey Association (SIHA) and Crvena Zvezda Belgrade Ice Hockey Club.

The agreements provide for increased cooperation between the two countries in the areas of ice hockey development and strengthening international ties. As a part of the long-term partnership, programs aimed at promoting ice hockey in the Balkans will be implemented, experiences and methods for training players, coaches and referees will be shared and joint tournaments will be organised.

President of the RIHF Vladislav Tretiak:

- Russia and Serbia are brotherly countries, for many years we have supported each other in a variety of affairs and issues. We are open to cooperation with our friends, and, of course, we are very glad that our Serbian brothers are interested in gaining experience from us. Thanks to sport, our relations will become even closer.

We are a great ice hockey power. Therefore, one of our key tasks is to help those countries which want to seriously develop in our sport. In recent years, the RIHF has signed memorandums of cooperation with Kyrgyzstan, Georgia and Mongolia. Interaction with Russia has become a factor in the progress of ice hockey in these countries. For example, the Kyrgyz national team, under the guidance of competent Russian coaches, is already achieving notable success in international competitions. I am convinced that cooperation with our system will also be beneficial for Serbia. We are ready to share experiences and send our coaches to Serbia in order to offer their assistance. Serbian goalkeepers will receive an invitation to the Tretiak School - an opportunity to train with the best junior players of Russia.

The RIHF has also developed the Red Machine National Development Program, which contains the most advanced, innovative methods of working with young players. We will gladly share it with our Serbian friends too! Serbian specialists will receive a detailed step-by-step manual, which describes all the classes and principles of training.

And, of course, we are ready to invite young Serbian ice hockey players to tournaments held in Russia, including the Tretiak Cup. Our neighbours from Belarus and Kazakhstan are already participating in such competitions. I am convinced that for the Serbs this will be an excellent opportunity to discover new horizons of ice hockey growth and development. In the future, I would love it for Russia and Serbia to meet at the World Championship!



President of the SIHA Marko Milovanovic:

- Russia is a great country with wonderful history. In Serbia, we know Russian legends very well - boys watch videos of Vladislav Tretiak and Pavel Bure, trying to be like them. The memorandum of cooperation with the RIHF is fantastic news for u. Yes, ice hockey in Serbia is still inferior to football and basketball, but we have room to grow. We will move forward with the help of Russia. Our partners are ready to share their experiences, and we are ready to learn and listen to recommendations. The prospects of cooperation with Russian coaches and players will greatly help our academies. Our club teams participate in international leagues, the national team has risen to a higher division of the World Championship. Joint work with the Russians will lead our ice hockey to even greater success.