MINSK, 4 January (BelTA) – The solemn opening ceremony of the 13th Christmas Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament for the Prize of the President of Belarus took place in Chizhovka Arena, Minsk on 4 January, BelTA has learned.
The festive atmosphere near Chizhovka Arena — one of the largest sport facilities in Minsk — was felt at noon when results of the first matches were revealed. During the solemn opening ceremony of the 13th Christmas Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament the fans saw a performance by young artists and figure skaters. The Belarusian pop stars Teo and Olga Plotnikova sang as a duet. All the eight teams that gathered for the tournament were presented.
Three games took place before the opening ceremony on 4 January. In Group A Switzerland beat the Balkan team 13:2. In Group B Finland beat Germany 11:3 and Slovakia steamrolled Russia 12:0.
The Christmas Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament for the Prize of the President of Belarus has been held in Minsk since 2005. The Belarus president's team has won the tournament nine times (2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016). Team Russia is a three-time champion (2007, 2011, and 2015).
The tournament has been organized by the President's Sports Club, the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation (BIHF), the Belarusian Sports and Tourism Ministry, and the Minsk city administration.
