Press releases

MINSK, 7 January (BelTA) – Belarus beat Switzerland 10-6 to reach the final of the 14th Christmas amateur ice hockey tournament for the prizes of the President of Belarus on 6 January, BelTA has learned.

The success put the Belarus President’s team on top of the group. Yaroslav Chupris opened the scoring just one minute into the game. The guests tried to take the game into the hosts’ zone but several minutes later Yaroslav Chupris doubled the score after Belarus’ successful counterattack. On the 7^th minute Alexander Lukashenko assisted Pavel Belyi for 3-0 on the scoreboard. After replacing the goaltender and putting more pressure on Belarus’ side, the Swiss team was able to narrow the gap to 1-3. The Belarusian team, however, continued to hold the initiative and scored once again for 4-1.

The teams traded goals in the second stanza and left the ice for a break with 5-2 on the scoreboard.

The third period was rich in goals, with Belarusians celebrating a confident victory, 10-6.

Martin Christen (goaltender, Switzerland) and Yaroslav Chupris (forward, Belarus) were named the best players of the match.

The Christmas amateur ice hockey tournament final is scheduled to take place at 18.00 on 7 January. The bronze medal game will start at 13.00. Both the games will be played at Chizhovka Arena.