MINSK, 4 January (BelTA) - Jani Rita of Finland scored the first goal of the 13th Christmas Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament for the Prize of the President of Belarus. The Finnish forward put the puck in the net in the 5th minute of the first period of the match against Germany, BelTA has learned.
In the opening match of the tournament Team Finland created a good margin of safety 4-1 already in the first period. The Scandinavian team dominated through the rest of the match and deservedly won 11-3. Another match of the preliminary stage in Group B will see Slovakia vs Russia (15.30).
Group A teams will play on the main ice arena of Chizhovka Arena. Switzerland will face Balkans Team, a newcomer of the Christmas tournament, at 13.00. In the evening, after the opening ceremony which will begin at 17.30, Belarus President’s Team will take on the UAE Team (19.00).
On the final day of the tournament, on 7 January, the second placed teams will play in the bronze-medal game. The first-placed teams will compete for the main prize. Both matches will be held on the main arena of Chizhovka Arena. Admission is free.