I. Metshin: “Future hockey stars are born precisely on such ice”

(KZN.RU, February 2, Mikhail Chentsov). The city stage of All-Russian competitions of young hockey players for the prizes of the club “Golden Puck” named after A. Tarasov started in Kazan. The owners of ice and athletes of the school №62 of the Aviastroitelny district crossed the clubs on the hockey box of the school №150 in the Privolzhsky district. Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, made the first symbolic goal with the captains of teams and hockey players of the “Ak Bars”. The Mayor also congratulated the players with the start of the long-awaited tournament.

“I want to thank everyone who supports our yard hockey. Future hockey stars are born precisely on such ice. Thanks to Rustam Minnikhanov, our President, who does a lot to ensure that all sports develop in the republic. Thanks to Nail Maganov, the president of the HC “Ak Bars”, for his support. And thanks to the coaches who bring the children to the ice and train them”, said Ilsur Metshin and addressed the players. “24 teams in three ages reached the final. You will have a tense struggle that will bring out the champions but there will be no losers. Let the strongest win!”

Andrey Ryabov, the vice-president of the Kazan Ice Hockey Federation, who also came to see the ice battles along with the Mayor and other honored guests, said a few words to players. “As vice-president of the federation, I am doubly pleased that we are reviving yard hockey and that it is becoming more and more popular. Good luck!” he said and wished the children no injuries.

By tradition, young hockey players were also supported by their older comrades from the HC “Ak Bars”. This year, the children had Roman Abrosimov and Damir Musin, defenders and Kazan hockey players. “Congratulations on the beginning of the final! We wish you a good game and are waiting for you in the main team”, said R. Abrosimov.

After the welcome speeches, Ilsur Metshin made a symbolic goal together with players of the “Ak Bars” and captains of schools Danil Gabitov (№150) and Musa Khisamiev (№62). At the same time, the salute was launched into the sky for the beginning of the tournament. After that, players of schools №150 and 62 fought on the site.

The all-Russian competitions for young hockey players for the prize of the club “Golden Puck” named after A. Tarasov is an annual hockey tournament. 1760 players in the 88 teams took part in the district competitions this year. The city stage of the tournament will last until February 17. Teams that took first place in their age groups will have the opportunity to represent Kazan at the national stage of the “Golden Puck”.