Gazprom Neft Cup International Kids’ Hockey Tournament

In the years since its establishment the Gazprom Neft Cup has earned a reputation as a prestigious international tournament, and the biggest youth hockey competition on the continent. For many guys it proves the first serious test of their career, giving them the opportunity to feel like a proper professional player, and to experience the emotions that only hockey can give.

More than 400 sportsmen, having gone out onto the ice to battle it out in Gazprom Neft Cup matches in recent years, are now playing in professional leagues in Russia, Europe and North America — an impressive figure, proving, once again, the need for a tournament of this kind, organised in the same way as adult competitions, and a tournament in which the best juniors of most clubs in the Kontinental Hockey League, and famous international teams, take part. I have no doubt that this sort of invaluable experience will prove a major boost on their way to becoming genuine masters of the game. I wish all tournament participants every success, and a fair — if uncompromising! — battle!