An awards ceremony was held prior to the game to honour the tournament’s winning team – the Nevsky Legion from St Petersburg.
* * *
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends,
I would like to begin by congratulating you on completing another season of the Night Hockey League. This is a wonderful project that has the support of thousands, possibly millions of Russians, amateurs and professionals alike.
I would like to express special gratitude to our outstanding players, whom many generations of hockey fans in Russia are proud of. Thank you for supporting this project. Your reputations, your names help sports fans across the country to get back in shape and follow a healthy lifestyle. Thank you for this and for remaining in play – this is a joy to all of us.
I would also like to congratulate this season’s winners. Allow me to present you with your well-deserved awards.
Congratulations!