The Governor congratulated the players of “Slavutych” with the victory in the Russian Championship

Governor Alexey Ostrovskiy attended a gala-evening dedicated to the victory of the hockey club "Slavutich" in the Russian Hockey League Championship. The Head of the region awarded the Governor's Cup to the team players.

The professional hockey club "Slavutich" was established in August, 2010. Just a few years later, the team acquired the reputation of a serious, daring opponent combining sharp offensive power style with a deep, intellectual playing in the defense. The team has already played four full seasons and managed to carry out some ambitious plans. In its first season, the team successfully entered the playoffs, and in season 2011-2012 it became the champion of the Russian Hockey League.

The third season of the Russian Hockey League - 2013-2014 (in 2010-2011 – the Russian Junior Ice Hockey Championship of the club teams, in 1992-2010 – The First League Russian ice hockey Championship) brought another victory to the Smolensk team. Through the uncompromising playing “Slavutich" won the gold medals in a bitter struggle with the best teams.

Governor Alexey Ostrovskiy came to the premises of the production corporation "Kristall" hosting the ceremony to congratulate the Smolensk players. At the gala-evening the Head of the region warmly talked to the CEO of the production corporation and the president of "Slavutich" Maxim Shkadov, to the director of "Slavutich" Sergei Barkov, the head coach Dmitry Maximov and hockey players.

Just before the award ceremony for the Smolensk hockey players, the Head of the region presented the CEO of "Kristall" Maxim Shkadov with the Letter of Appreciation from the President of the Russian Federation: in March Vladimir Putin signed an order on awarding the employees of the production corporation with the Letter of Appreciation for the achievements and high performance in their professional activities.

Speaking about the hockey club "Slavutich", all the participants of the ceremony were unanimous about the Smolensk hockey players meeting the expectations of fans and showing sporting character, great fighting qualities and commitment, fulfilling the most serious task – to win the title of the RHL champion. This is a result of hard training process, the athletes’ high skills and desire to win, an evidence of the power of team spirit and an excellent coaching mindset.

"Congratulations to the team on the success, due to which for more than a year our region has been positively spoken about in the sports world, and not only in the sports world, - said Alexey Ostrovskiy. - Of course, guys, the way Smolensk fans supported you at the ice rink, and greeted you on your victory, doesn’t require any additional congratulations on behalf of the regional administration. We join those delights, that storm of applause which you are rightfully gettig from the people of Smolensk. And we thank you for giving us this joy and positive emotions. We thank you for the courage with which you go out onto the ice".

The official speeches were followed by the ceremony of awarding the best players of "Slavutich". Also today, the president of the hockey club Maxim Shkadov received a diploma from the Russian Hockey Federation.