The ensemble performed at the opening of the International Ice Hockey Tournament for the First Channel Cup

On December 17, 2020, the International Hockey Tournament for the Channel One Cup was launched at the CSKA-Arena Ice Palace in Moscow. The hockey tournament has a history spanning over half a century. During this time, the tournament has undergone several name changes. Founded by the USSR Hockey Federation in 1967, the tournament was initiated to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution. Until 1997, the competition was held for the Izvestia Cup, then the athletes competed for the Baltika Cup, the ROSNO Cup, and in 2006, the tournament was renamed the First Channel Cup.

Currently, the hockey competition is one of the stages of the European Hockey Tour, which features the four strongest national teams: Russia, Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic.

The tournament aims to develop international sports ties, strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between athletes from different countries, and facilitate the preparation of national teams for World Championships and the Olympic Games.

On December 17, 2020, the first hockey match between the Russian and Swedish national teams took place in Moscow, at the CSKA Arena ice rink. Long-time Russian hockey fans are well acquainted with the history of meetings with our rival, the Swedish national team, which has consistently been one of the strongest hockey teams in Europe for many decades. The coronavirus pandemic has brought its own adjustments to the competition. The stands of the CSKA Arena were filled to 25% in accordance with sanitary requirements.

Vladislav Tretyak, a legendary hockey player, President of the Russian Hockey Federation, three-time Olympic champion, and ten-time world champion, addressed the athletes and the audience.

In support of our "Red Car", the artists of the choir of the Academic Ensemble of Song and Dance of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation performed under the direction of People's Artist of Russia, Major General Viktor Yeliseyev. Before the start of the hockey match, the Russian National Anthem was performed by the renowned artists of the Rosgvardia Choir.

The Swedish team is a serious opponent. From the very beginning, the game was not easy, and the Swedish team managed to score the first goal against our national team. The regular time of the match ended with a score of 3:3. The overtime period also did not result in a victory for either team. It was only in the shootout that the Red Machine managed to secure the victory. The match ended with a score of 4:3.

Russia will play its next match on December 19, 2020. The Red Machine will face the Czech Republic national ice hockey team.

The Choir of the Academic Ensemble of Songs and Dances of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation, led by People's Artist of Russia, Major General Viktor Yeliseyev, wishes our hockey players new victories. We believe in our team and are always ready to support it with our art.