The RIHF's president has opened an ice rink in Astrakhan Region
The Russian Ice Hockey Federation's president Vladislav Tretyak took part in the opening ceremony of a new sports complex on the territory of a youth school. After that, the RIHF met with the Astrakhan Region's mayor Alexander Zhilkin.
The local hockey team Strizhi have been waiting for the first ice rink in the region more than anyone else, and the team has already won a number of regional trophies. Before this rink was built, the team had to travel to Astrakhan to train, however now they will be able to train closer to home. Also, there is the opportunity to get more children playing the game - already two groups of young players have been formed.
Alexander Zhilkin:
- Despite our warm climate, Astrakhan loves ice hockey. As soon as the rivers freeze, everyone skates on them to play hockey. We will keep on developing sport in our region, and build more infastructure.
Vladislav Tretyak:
- It's great that people are playing sport in their neighbourhoods. Sport is a wonderful thing that can unite people.
After the meeting, Vladislav Tretyak inspected some of the sporting facilities and noted that a lot has been done for the development of sporting culture in the region. In his opinion, Astrakhan deserves a big ice arena. Alexander Zhilkin added, that two other ice rinks are ready to be built and that there are plans for a large ice arena on the banks of the River Volga.
Russian Ice Hockey Federation