Vladislav Tretiak opened a match on Red Square

President of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) Vladislav Tretiak opened a gala match which took place on Red Square in Moscow.

The game was timed to coincide with the All-Russian Student Sport Night event.

Sides named the "Team of the Student Hockey League” and the “Friends of the Student Hockey League” participated in the match. A number of star ice players played on both teams such as Danis Zaripov, Alexei Tereshchenko, Alexander Yeryomenko, Sergei Mozyakin, Igor Shchadilov and Ivan Nepryaev. High-ranking government officials also took part in the gala match: the Minister of Sport of the Russian Federation Oleg Matytsin, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Sergei Neverov, parliamentarians and representatives of various executive authorities.

An award ceremony was staged upon the conclusion of the game. Commemorative medals were received by Zaripov, Tereshchenko, Yeryomenko, Mozyakin, Shchadilov, Nepryaev and functionaries for their significant contribution to the development and popularisation of physical culture and sport.

President of the RIHF Vladislav Tretiak:

- The development of student ice hockey is one of the priorities for the RIHF, it's an important aspect of the Russian ice hockey structure. The amount of students participating in the Student Hockey League is rising on a yearly basis, with new teams appearing. Furthermore, at the same time, more Russian regions are being represented in the championship.

Of course, a gala match on Red Square is a huge event for everyone involved. It's great that our legendary veterans, leading players of our national team and world champions took to the ice with the students, this will consequently inspire them to achieve important victories of their own. Regardless of the profession which they choose, it's crucial that they have a winning mentality. Ice hockey will help them live with the required mindset! I would like to wish all students success both on and off the ice.

Three-time world champion Alexei Tereshchenko:

- I'm really glad that our country is taking major steps in order to develop student sport. ! After all, not all graduates of children's schools become professionals; some do not get into either the KHL or the VHL. It is college ice hockey which gives you the opportunity to stay in the sport longer and do what you love while studying for a degree.

Three-time world champion Danis Zaripov:

- It was a fantastic event on Red Square with perfect Russian ice hockey weather! It's crucial to stage such events; popularising ice hockey is our responsibility. This will allow for universities to possess not only good students, but also good players.