The Defender of the Fatherland hockey tournament started in Yaroslavl

Young Army members, air defense school cadets, and cadets take part in it. 4 teams are fighting for the cup, which was established by public organizations of the city specifically for Victory Day. Many are experienced hockey players who have previously played this sport.

The tournament started at the Olympic Reserve Hockey School. The competition is being held in Yaroslavl for the first time. Its participants are young guys who are members of military structures and patriotic associations. At the same time, many of them have already completed hockey school in different regions of our country. Representatives from Vologda and Vladimir play on the same team. There are those who have already played in the Polish hockey league. Everyone is united by a sense of patriotism and love for the Motherland.

Alexander Kharin, member of HC “Vympel V”:

“Firstly, such a tournament “Defenders of the Fatherland” is, as it were, patriotic, and was not even thought about. It’s worth a lot just to take part in a tournament like this.”

Kirill Bogunov, member of HC “Vympel V”:

“Yaroslavl is basically a hockey city. Hockey is very developed here. And this is proof of that. Even the same tournaments, there are a lot of them.”

The tournament itself is dedicated to Victory Day. It is no coincidence that a veteran of the Great Patriotic War, a participant in the Battle of Stalingrad, Mikhail Peimer, was invited to the opening. Our respected fellow countryman has been familiar with sports from a young age.

Mikhail Peimer, veteran of the Great Patriotic War:

“In the summer we played football at the Kauchuk stadium. And in the winter we play hockey, but it’s true that we had a team of 11 people back then. We didn’t play with a puck, but with a ball.”

Even the hockey breaks were filled with music from the war years.

Vladlen Kislov, deputy head of the YaVVU Air Defense for military-political work:

“Of course, this is a very significant event for us, because we understand perfectly well that, first of all, this tournament is a connection between our generations in the conditions that exist for our country. It is very important when the younger generation understands why and why they work, serve and fulfill their duties.”

The tournament will last until May 5. As a result, the winners will be awarded valuable prizes and cups.