Vladimir Putin Participates in Night Hockey League Exhibition Match

On Wednesday evening, 25 December, Vladimir Putin scored several goals in the traditional New Year’s night hockey league match, which was formed at his initiative eight years ago. Several of Russia's biggest names in the winter sport took to the ice on the president's side, including Sergey Fedorov, Pavel Bure and Valery Kamensky.

The game on Red Square ended with a victory for Putin's team, which scored 8:5. Between periods, Russian President Putin spoke with participants in a meeting at a cafe by the ice rink.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin during the New Year’s friendly match of the Night Hockey League at the rink on Red Square.

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Night Hockey League players before the New Year's friendly match at the skating rink on Red Square.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin during a break at the New Year’s friendly match of the Night Hockey League at the rink on Red Square.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin during the New Year’s friendly match of the Night Hockey League at the rink on Red Square

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Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and President of the International League of World Hockey Legends Pavel Bure (left to right) before the start of the New Year's friendly Night Hockey League match at the ice rink on Red Square.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin during the New Year’s friendly match of the Night Hockey League at the rink on Red Square.

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Vladimir Putin welcomes players before the start of the New Year's friendly Night Hockey League match at the rink on Red Square.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin during a break in the New Year’s friendly match of the Night Hockey League at the rink on Red Square.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin during a break at the New Year’s friendly match of the Night Hockey League at the rink on Red Square

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New Year's friendly game of the Night Hockey League at the rink on Red Square.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin rejoices at an abandoned puck in the New Year’s friendly match of the Night Hockey League at the rink on Red Square.

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Players of the Night Hockey League take pictures before the start of the New Year friendly match at the rink on Red Square.

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Vladimir Putin Participates in Night Hockey League Friendly Match