Young ice hockey players and Vladislav Tretiak decorated a Christmas tree

Next to the Moscow Kremlin, young ice hockey players decorated Russia's main Christmas tree alongside Russian Ice Hockey Federation president Vladislav Tretiak.

Over the course of the last three days, the tree had been decorated with plenty of toys, and the finishing touches were given by ice hockey players and Vladislav Tretiak. In accordance with the "Second Life of the Kremlin Christmas Tree", Russian Ice Hockey Federation decorations made out of wood were placed on the tree along with logos of the President's Office and the All-Russian Society for Nature Conservation.

The tree is more than 100 years old and stands at 30 meters tall. All children participating in the event received gifts and autographs from three-time Olympic champion Vladislav Tretiak.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation president Vladislav Tretiak:

- It's an honour to give these young players the chance to decorate Russia's main Christmas tree at the Kremlin in Moscow. In recent times, we have witnessed a large increase in ice hockey interest. Everyone remembers how Russia won the 2018 Olympic Games in February and this victory has helped the development of the sport in our country. The Red Machine National Development Program has began operation, a project which is designed to assist the progression of youth ice hockey and nuture future Olympic champions. The senior Russian national team also had a superb 2018 Channel One Cup campaign. The historic match in Saint Petersburg proved how much people love ice hockey in our country. The RIHF's strategic program between 2018 and 2022 will help construct new ice hockey facilities and rinks. Happy New Year, everybody! I wish everyone new victories!