The World Junior Championships are done, here comes the Universiade!

Dear friends!

The start of the new year has been rich on exciting ice hockey events. Valery Bragin's junior Russian national team earned bronze at the World Championship in Canada. Without a doubt, the players played brilliantly and deserve the result. For a lot of players, this tournament was the final switch between junior and senior ice hockey. I am sure, that in the future, they will get the chance to play for the main team.

Just like the men, our junior women's side took a bronze medal away from their World Championship in the Czech Republic. Alongside showing their ability to play the game, they fought for each other. Their success will aid the development of women's ice hockey in Russia, a lot of players will turn their dreams into reality.

On January 29th, the women's match between Russia and the USA will get the 2017 Winter Universiade started. A lot of players will get the chance to play for their country, and, maybe, we will witness the birth of new ice hockey stars. Such international experience is key.

Our senior men's team will play a Euro Hockey Tour tournament in Sweden, however Russia's first match will take place inside the Yubileyny Arena. I am sure that Saint Petersburg will give the team a warm welcome!

Russian Ice Hockey Federation President

Vladislav Tretyak