ALROSA Cup. History rekindled

The ALROSA Cup follows on from the former Leningradskaya Pravda competition, which took place between 1976 and 2007. Let's look back at the tournament's key moments in history.

Tournament for B teams

The first ever competition for B national teams was held in Riga in 1975. After that, Saint Petersburg started to host the tournament, with just about every edition taking place at the Yubileyny Arena. It was once known as the World Championship for B teams.

Three names

In 1982, it was given the name of "Tournament for the Leningradskaya Prava Gazeta Prizes." However, from the start of the 1980's, the winners were given a trophy from the M. Lomonosova factory. Later on in 1992, the name switched to "Bolshoy Prize Sankta Peterburga." Until 2007, instead of B national teams, junior sides competed at the tournament. 

Star players

Despite B teams taking part, well known players still made appearances. The likes of Igor Larionov, Vyacheslav Bykov, Sergei Fyodorov, Sandis Ozolins and Zinetula Bilyaletdinov all competed for the USSR. 

Soviets lead the way

At the first tournament, Viktor Tikhonov's Soviet team were made to work for their victory. His players won only because of their superior goal difference. The hosts then won 17 out of the next 17 competitions, but in the past years both Sweden and Finland have taken home the cup.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation