Amateur hockey teams from Russia and the United States will take part in an exhibition match in Moscow on 1 July with the support of the Roscongress Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation. The match was first announced by AmCham Russia President and CEO Robert Agee at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum during the session ‘Russia – USA: Dialogue of Cultures’. The American Chamber of Commerce in Russia is helping organize the match.
“Events like these have the potential to facilitate further cooperation of an athletic, economic, and cultural nature, because people speak the language of sports on both sides of the ocean. The match should also open the door to broader professional engagement. It is an opportunity to communicate with one another, establish direct contact, and strengthen ties between people, countries, and partners.That’s why the idea was spawned by the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and meant to serve as a continuation of the conversation on the topic of sports, culture, and international cooperation. It’s not about national teams or who’s better,” Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov said.
Prominent Russian politicians, hockey players, cultural figures, and businesspeople will take part in the match. Renowned hockey player and State Duma deputy Vyacheslav Fetisov will captain the Russian team, with Olympic champion and legendary forward Alexander Yakushev to serve as head coach. 20th-century hockey legend, three-time Olympic champion, ten-time world champion, and Russian Ice Hockey Federation President Vladislav Tretiak will be on hand to drop the ceremonial first puck. Following the match, the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia will host a gala reception with representatives of the American business community.
The Russian team will sport the name ‘Red Machine’, a symbol of Russia’s hockey strength and tradition that bridges generational gaps. The Red Machine’s very own experts are involved in the organization of the match to ensure quality as a result of which other stars have been invited to contribute to the Russian team and fill a roster that will span generations and underline the unbroken nature of the nation’s hockey legacy.
The amateur teams from Russia and the United States are expected to inspire a series of matches between youth teams, for whom the exchange of experience is especially important.
Source: SPIEF
