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Next season will be even better!

Dear friends!

Another ice hockey season ended with the Future Cup in Novosibirsk. The Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) did a great job assembling our junior national teams, bringing together some of our most talented young players who have already made a name for themselves in the MHL, VHL and KHL.

Playing to their strengths and displaying intense, entertaining ice hockey, our U20 players lived up to the expectations by winning the tournament and providing the supporters with several memorable moments.

Furthermore, I sincerely thank all the fans for their incredible support! The decisive game attracted over 10,000 spectators, and the atmosphere at the Sibir Arena really was wonderful. Once again, Novosibirsk showed us all how we need to support our national team!

I have just returned from the VHL season closing ceremony, where teams and players received their respective awards. Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk, who are greatly contributing to the development of ice hockey in their region, deservedly won the title with impressive performances in the final against Khimik Voskresensk. And, as always, the goalkeepers took leading roles with their reliable displays! Our goalkeeping school is the best in the world!

The All-Russian Hockey League continues to be a breeding ground for talent in our sport. This was also noted in his speech by the most honoured guest at the season closing ceremony, Minister of Sport Mikhail Degtyaryov. I would like to sincerely thank Mikhail for his attention to ice hockey, his productive cooperation, his support of our initiatives and projects and his assistance in resolving pressing issues. Moreover, it's worth pointing out that 23 players with VHL experience represented Russia at the Channel One Cup in December. The league trusts youth and allows it to develop.

Our youth hockey system continues to produce talented athletes. This spring, we held many important tournaments. At Sirius, I met with participants in the pilot Russian Cup - a tournament in which the strongest schools and academies compete against each other, gaining valuable experience against the most skilled opponents. The Vladislav Tretiak Cup, held in five cities, also formed a key competition for our up-and-coming athletes. I would like to thank Yekaterinburg, Almetyevsk, Krasnogorsk, Kirov and Kirovo-Chepetsk for the excellent organisation of the tournament and for their collaboration with the RIHF in developing youth hockey.

Russian ice hockey is moving forward. But, instead of resting on our laurels, we're looking forward to continue developing next season. Thank you for being with us and providing our players with fantastic support!

President of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation,

Vladislav Tretiak
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