Christmas International Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament in Minsk

The 15th edition of the Christmas International Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament kicked off in Minsk on 3 January. The opening day featured the matches Switzerland vs Slovakia, Finland vs Germany on the small ice rink of Chizhovka Arena in Group B and Balkans Team vs UAE Team, Belarus President Team vs IIHF Team in Group A on the big ice rink. Twelve countries, including Russia, China, the Czech Republic and the Baltic states, will compete for the main prize of the “informal world championship among amateur hockey players” this year.

The Christmas Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament brings nations together despite political crises and differences of opinion, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he opened the tournament on 3 January. “The ice arena in Minsk gathers true men, who are devoted to ice hockey, men strong in spirit and body, men, who genuinely want to make the world a better place,” stated the head of state.

The Christmas tournament is traditionally co-located with the final of the national junior competition Golden Puck. A charity event organized by the President Sports Club and the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation “Christmas Tradition” will see representatives of the teams visit children's home No. 7 in Minsk. The institution has already been donated Br32,000.

The best moments from the Christmas International Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament for the Prize of the President of Belarus in our photo essay from Chizhovka Arena!