Vladislav Tretiak attended the Victory Pulse match

Vladislav Tretiak, the President of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF), was a special guest at the Victory Pulse friendly match.

The event was organised by the Amateur Hockey Association (AHA) and the Southwestern Administrative District Prefecture of Moscow in honour of Combat Veterans' Day.

Tretiak participated in the opening ceremony and performed the symbolic face-off. Governors, senators, deputies, employees of various ministries and agencies, artists and sporting stars attended the event at the Figure Skating Centre in the south west of the capital. During the event, the RIHF President spoke with amateur players and held a series of discussions with officials responsible for sporting development in Moscow and other Russian regions.

RIHF President Vladislav Tretiak:

"Developing and popularising the various forms of our game such as youth, student and amateur hockey is a very important task. We are working productively in these areas. Increasing participation and the growing number of matches and tournaments contribute to the fulfillment of the President's strategic directive to involve 70 percent of our citizens in physical education and sport. It's great to have meetings like these, and I'm grateful to the organisers of the event. Both the Moscow authorities and the Amateur Hockey Association are creating new opportunities for hockey and effectively and successfully promoting our national game. We had a good conversation, discussing upcoming work plans and joint projects that will help improve the amateur hockey system in Russia.

"Our wonderful game brings together worthy people, professionals in their fields. They work and achieve success in various fields, but on the ice and in the locker rooms, they share the same interests, find like-minded people and receive support from their peers. Ice hockey is a wonderful experience of teamwork, respect for your partner and coach and working together towards shared success. These are very useful skills, essential in various areas of life.

"Amateur hockey also boosts patriotism and strengthens a sense of pride in our great homeland. By donning skates and picking up a stick, our compatriots, in one way or another, connect with the great history of our sport, filled with glorious achievements and victories for the glory of our country. This is especially true now, as we enter a new anniversary season and look forward to celebrating the 80th anniversary of our sport. I wish everyone the opportunity to hit the ice more often, enjoy this wonderful game and successfully develop amateur hockey!"

AHA President Alina Borodaeva:

"It's symbolic that our match took place on Family, Love and Loyalty Day. Because these values, along with our Motherland, are the most important in our lives. And it's these values ​​that our solidiers at the SMO are defending now. Let me remind you that this game is dedicated to the veterans of military operations.

"It's great to see a full stadium, and among the spectators are Heroes of Russia, medalists and combat veterans. This, coupled with the extensive media coverage, suggests that the match is relevant and in demand. But this is hardly surprising. After all, ice hockey is the number one sport in our country. It's no coincidence that there are over a million amateur hockey players in Russia alone.

"I'd like to point out that we've agreed to hold the Prefect's Cup of the Southwestern Administrative District of Moscow next season. I hope that this initiative of ours will first capture the attention of all of Moscow, and then the entire country, and give new impetus to the development of amateur hockey."