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The new campaign will see Russian hockey celebrate its 80th anniversary!

"Dear friends!

"The first match of the 2026/2027 Russian Championship will today take place in Khanty-Mansiysk, consequently marking the start of the new ice hockey season. Congratulations to all the players, coaches and fans!

"This season marks Russian ice hockey's 80th anniversary. Life in Russia without hockey is unimaginable. And it's wonderful that throughout the season, we will have the opportunity to recall the legendary events of past years and the great successes of our national teams, and to pay tribute to the magnificent players, coaches and referees who brought glory to our game and country.

"Russian hockey is entering this anniversary season on the rise. More arenas are being constructed, while new competitions are regularly being created. Furthermore, attendances across the country are increasing!

"Hockey truly enjoys a special status in Russia. It's our national pride, a sport which unites people. This special status also comes with extra responsibility. The hockey family, represented by the RIHF, KHL, VHL and other leagues, must do everything possible to create conditions for progression while encouraging more people to get involved. We must maintain a high level of play, conduct club and international tournaments efficiently, and, of course, ensure that the next generation is ready to represent Russia.

"The All-Russian Hockey League, for example, is an ideal platform for tomorrow's stars to develop accordingly. I am confident that in the 2026/2027 season, clubs will continue to productively develop hockey at local level, allowing their respective talents to take major steps forward. Moreover, the fans will enjoy entertaining, unpredictable hockey, as the VHL is an incredibly competitive and exciting championship. While it's impossible to immediately name a clear favourite in the upcoming KHL season, the field of contenders in the VHL is even wider! It's no coincidence that there's a new champion there every year, and in the last ten years, only Yugra has managed to win the playoffs more than once. I encourage you all to watch the VHL intently!

"Players of our youth national team got the season off to the perfect start. Our 17-year-olds played a series of friendly matches in Minsk against opponents a year older, winning them all and making huge progress. I'm sure that their success with the national team will inspire Russian juniors to pursue successful professional careers.

"Before the start of the season, some exciting news for all Russian fans emerged. Both the men's and women's university teams will compete in the Universiade in January! This is a major international tournament, in which our players will be full participants. I would like to thank the Ministry of Sport for their support and assistance in these matters.

"Just a couple of days before the start of the season, the Russian Ice Hockey Federation filed a lawsuit with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. We are challenging the IIHF's decision to extend the suspension of the Russian national ice hockey teams. A hearing is scheduled for late October, and the court's verdict will be announced shortly thereafter. It's important to remember that the outcome will be binding for the International Ice Hockey Federation.

"It goes without saying that the RIIHF will host a number of thrilling international competitions in Russia, with the main one being the Channel One Cup in December during which Russian ice hockey's 80th anniversary will be marked.

"To finish, I would like to extend a special wish to one of the greatest players of our era. In the coming season, the world's attention will be focused on Alexander Ovechkin's performances. Everyone will be counting goals, anticipating the moment he surpasses Wayne Gretzky and becomes the holder of the greatest record. Let's wish Alexander an injury-free season and good luck on the ice! He's a true patriot of his nation."

President of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation,

Vladislav Tretiak
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