Opinions & Interviews

Alexei Yashin: It is great to have such events as Christmas tournament in Minsk

MINSK, 8 January (BelTA) - Famous ice hockey player Alexei Yashin, who joined the Russian team during the 9th Christmas Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament for the Prize of the President of the Republic of Belarus, admitted to journalists that it was his first time of participating in such competitions, and noted the good organizational level and atmosphere at the event, BelTA has learnt.

On 7 January Belarus President Team won the 9th Christmas Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament for the Prize of the President of the Republic of Belarus, beating Russia represented mainly by the Gazprom Export amateur ice hockey team.

“The final was a quick game. The Belarusian team has an advantage as it has more younger players on its roster. We are enjoying our time here. The arena is packed, which attests to the interest on the part of viewers. It is very cool that we have such tournaments. The Christmas tournament is called the unofficial amateur world championship? It is difficult for me to say anything on this account because this is the first time I am taking part in amateur competitions. The level of organization is very good. Everything is top-notch,” said Alexei Yashin, who completed his professional career last season.

All in all, the 39-year-old Alexei Yashin played 12 seasons in the NHL for Ottawa and New York Islanders. He is the world gold (1993) and bronze medal winner (2005), Olympic silver (1998) and bronze medalist (2002). He is a three-time participant in NHL All-Star Games (1994, 1999, 2002) and KHL All-Star Games (2009, 2010, 2011).

Alexei Yashin played 850 games in the NHL regular seasons, scoring 781 (337+444) points and 48 games in the Stanley Cup playoffs, scoring 27 (11+16) points. The hockey player made appearance in 207 KHL matches and scored 164 (63+101) points. He also scored 27 (11-16) points in 30 Gagarin Cup postseason games.

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