HISTORIC BATTLES ON ICE
NY - For the first time in US / Russian relations, 9th Annual Russian Heritage Festival will play host to a battle of epic proportions involving New York City's Bravest Firefighters, Russia's Hero Firefighters, as well as Legends of FDNY, NY Rangers Alum and Legends of USSR. The historic hockey matches, titled Battles on Ice, between the FDNY and the EMERCOM (Russian Firefighters) on June 18, 2011 at 7:30 pm, as well as pitting the Legends of the FDNY/NHL Alumni against the Legends of the USSR hockey team on June 19, 2011 at 2 pm. All matches will take place at the Aviator Sports and Events Center in Brooklyn.
Renowned NY Rangers Alums who will come out to play side by side Legends of FDNY are: Ron Duguay, Ron Greschner, Mark Janssens, Steve Vickers, Chris Kotsopoulos, Ferraro Brothers, and others...
Alexander Medvedev , president of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), Russia's premier professional hockey league and a sponsor of the series, , described the upcoming matches as forging cultural bridges between countries, "Our hope is that the exhibition games between the teams featuring New York firefighters and Russian hockey legends will extend the spirit of friendship between our two societies, while also supporting the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice ten years ago."
Renowned players who will be participating in the Legends of USSR game include:
Alexander Yakushev - Yakushev is remembered as a foremost member of the USSR hockey team which opposed Canada in the famous 1972 Summit Series. Unlike his fellow team members, Yakushev was often compared to Canadian hero, Phil Esposito. Yakushev went on to lead the Soviet team to glory with his seven goals and four assists. Olympic multi-title holder in hockey
Valeri Kamensky - Holder of hockey's Triple Gold Title - Stanley Cup championship, Olympic gold medal and world champion.. Prior to joining the NHL, Kamensky began his hockey career in the Soviet Championship League with CSKA Moscow. In 1991, he joined the NHL where he played for the famous Quebec Nordiques, the Colorado Avalanch (winning the Stanley Cup), the New York Rangers, the Dallas Stars and finally the New Jersey Devils.
Alexei Kasatonov - is a long-standing member of the USSR hockey team. Kasatonov has won numerable gold and silver medals throughout the 1980's in both the Olympic and World Championships for the USSR. Additionally, Kasatonov played for the NHL with the New Jersey Devils, the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, the St. Louis Blues and finally the Boston Bruins.
Russia's All Star Legends Team Members who will also participate: Yury Blinov, Evgeny Davydov, Sergey Gimaev, Alexander Golikov, Vladimir Golikov, Yury Lebedev, Vladimir Lutchenko, Yury Lyapkin, Sergey Makarov, Igor Mishukov, Vitaly Prokhorov, Victor Shalimov, and Mikhail Shtalenkov.
Historic Matches are Presented by: Russian American Foundation, Daily News and TEN-Development Management Company. Sponsors of the matches are: Consulate General of the Russian Federation, Acqualina, Zilli, Flushing Bank, International Polo Club of Colts Neck, Kontinental Hockey League, Grad Team, The Trump Group, RheemBell & MermelsteinLLP, Blanc de Chine, Yashma Jewelry House, Citi Service, Total Group, OMNI New York LLC, Chijik, Tatiana Restaurant, Maria Vanna Restaurant
Tickets prices are $40 and $50 ($10 off for holders of FDNY and NYPD badges). For purchase information, visit www.RussianAmericanFoundation.org
Media is invited to attend:
June 16 - 7.30 pm / Scrimmage practice for FDNY & Russians
June 14, 15 and 17 - 7 to 8am / practice for Russians Teams only