Athletistic/Hockey. This year, many things have ceased to be familiar. Every year we have observed the performance of Russian athletes at international competitions. However, this year it has ceased to be commonplace. If earlier in the season we saw the Russian national hockey team play with Finland, Sweden and the Czech Republic at the stages of the Euro Hockey Tour, Russians are no longer allowed to participate .
One of these stages is the First Channel Cup. It was decided not to abolish it. Now it is also ongoing. However, the list of participants has changed. In addition to the Russian team, the Belarusian team and the Kazakhstan team are fighting for the trophy.
The tournament began on Thursday, December 15, on this day the duel between the national team of Belarus and the national team of Kazakhstan took place. The Belarusians beat their opponent with the score 4:1. Among the winners, Vladimir Alistrov scored a hat-trick. Roman Gorbunov also distinguished himself. Roman Starchenko became the author of Kazakhstan’s only puck. On Friday, December 16, a 3-on-3 hockey tournament was held. The Russian team took third place. The Russians lost to Kazakhstan 2-3 in a semi-final shootout, then beat China in the match for third place.
On Saturday December 17 and Sunday December 18, the main matches of the First Channel Cup will continue. The Russian team will come to the fore. Today, the wards of Alexei Zhamnov will play with the national team of Kazakhstan, and tomorrow – with the national team of Belarus. Both matches will kick off at 2:30 p.m. Moscow time.
For the Russian national hockey team, this year is unusual. In February, the Russian team under the flag of the ROC performed at the Olympics. Alexei Zhamnov’s quarters started with wins against Switzerland (1-0) and Denmark (2-0), then lost to the Czech Republic (5-6 in extra time). However, the Russians took first place in the group and reached the 1/4 finals. There they beat the Danes again – 2:1. In the semi-finals, there was a difficult match against Sweden. Regular time ended in a 1:1 draw. In a series of firefights, the Russians were victorious. In the final, the Russian team lost to Finland – 1: 2 and won silver medals. However, there was then a suspension of international competitions. Therefore, the Russian team missed the World Cup and the usual stages of the Euro Hockey Tour. The Russians played friendly matches against the national team of Belarus, as well as the youth team of Russia. But now the First Channel Cup is organized.
Nevertheless, the Russian national hockey team is considered, according to bookmakers, the main favorite for the First Channel Cup. The probability of victory over Kazakhstan is 93%, and over Belarus – 84%.
Yaroslav Pyatikh, Athletistic
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Source: Sport
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
