MINSK, 3 January (BelTA) – Ukraine defeated Switzerland 4-1 at the start of the 16th Christmas International Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament in Minsk on 3 January, BelTA has learned.
Two periods of the first match in Group C were action-packed, with Ukraine holding a narrow advantage 2-1 before the final stanza. Ukraine scored two more in the third period. The scoring for Ukraine was opened by forward Sergei Varlamov. On 4 January, Ukraine will play Finland. On 5 January, Finland will face Switzerland.
The timetable on 3 January will also feature China v UAE (Group B), Belarus v IIHF Team (Group A), Baltics Team v Germany (Group D).
All the games of the Christmas Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament will be played at the Chizhovka Arena. The proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Mozyr orphanage. The children from the Mozyr orphanage will be invited to attend the games of the Christmas tournament. A ticket for an evening game played at the big rink of the Chizhovka Arena is Br5. All other games can be attended for free.
The Belarus President's Team won its 12th title defeating Russia 8-5 last year. Bronze went to Finland that bear the UAE 6-3.
The tournament has been organized by the President's Sports Club, the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation, the Sports and Tourism Ministry, and the Minsk City Hall.
