Red Machine training camp in Zapolyarny

Training camps organised by the Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) and Nornickel as a part of their long-term program to develop ice hockey in the northern regions were held in Zapolyarny between the 28th and 30th of March.

The training program was consisted using the methods of the Red Machine National Development Program.

This marked the seventh year when such camps were staged in Pechenga District. On this occasion, the camp brought together around 60 athletes from the city of Zapolyarny and the nearby villages of Nikel and Sputnik. The participants tried out a new training rink with artificial ice.

Under the guidance of experienced RIHF coaches, the young athletes training productively both on the ice and in the gym. They also received valuable information in theoretical classes. During the lectures, the coaches told the participants how to develop their hockey skills and the psychological characteristics of champions, while also analysing the principles of playing either as a defenseman or a forward.



During the breaks between training sessions, the children were treated to additional useful entertainment, which was organised in a special tent next to the sporting complex. Table hockey was particularly popular!

The camp then came to an end with an ice hockey festival which included a friendly game involving the coaches and players.



Ice hockey legend Pavel Bure, a member of the Council of the International Ice Hockey Federation and the RIHF's Special Representative for International Affairs, spoke about the event:

"These camps give talented children who are dreaming of achieving great things the opportunity to develop. Despite the harsh northern conditions, I've seen just how enthusiastic the children are! I'm sure that in the coming years, we'll see players from this region compete in the KHL and VHL. The development of ice hockey and sport overall in this region is largely thanks to Vladimir Potanin and Nornickel, who have supported important sporting initiatives for many years. Such projects create the foundation for new Russian sporting triumphs."

Andrei Ivanov, the head of the RIHF Department for the Implementation of Management and Development of the Red Machine National Development Program, shared his feelings too:

"We've been staging such training camps for many years now. The main focus is on the development of techniques such as skating, stick handling and puck control. We're happy glad young children are displaying an increasing amount of interest in engaging in ice hockey and sport."

Participant Sofya Zhukina got a lot out of the camp:

"I'm 14 now, and I have been playing ice hockey for eight years. I live and study in Nikel, where I support the Belye Medveditsy. I'm really happy that I had the opportunity to participate in this Red Machine training camp, the coaches helped us a lot with the important advice which they gave us. I notably enjoyed the training match which we contested on the final day, a game which we won 13:5! The coaches participated in the match with us."