December 1 - All-Russian Hockey Day: History and Traditions

Every year on December 1, our country celebrates All-Russian Hockey Day, a game that has become an important part of the national sports culture. In 2024 it falls on a Sunday. By whom and when the holiday was established and how it is celebrated in our country, read in the material "Izvestia".

Hockey Day - 2024: the history of the sports holiday on December 1

Games with elements of hockey have existed for centuries in different cultures, but modern ice hockey originated in Canada in the middle of the XIX century. The first organized game took place on March 3, 1875 in Montreal, Canada. In Europe, the sport began to develop in the early 20th century.

In 1908, the International Ice Hockey Federation was founded, launching competitions between teams from different countries. Since 1924, the discipline became part of the Winter Olympic Games program.

Ice hockey came to the Soviet Union in the 1940s. On December 1, 1946, the USSR Ice Hockey Federation (later Russia) was established, the same year the first Union championship started. From that moment, active work began on the development of national teams and hockey schools, which led to numerous successes in the international arena. The national team of the USSR and then the Russian Federation repeatedly won World Championships, Olympic Games and other major competitions.

Foreign affairs: who will be included in the legionnaires' team at the First Channel Cup

Top Canadian coach Mike Keenan has already given his approval, but the roster has not yet been determined

After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, Russian ice hockey went through a difficult period, but despite the difficulties, it retained its strong traditions, and since the early 2000s began to return to the international arena.

In 2007, on the initiative of the President of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation Vladislav Tretiak, Hockey Day was established, for which the date of December 1 was chosen in honor of the founding of the Federation in 1946. The purpose of the holiday was to popularize hockey, attract the attention of young athletes and strengthen the connection between professional sports and amateur teams.

Hockey Day - 2024: traditions of celebration in Russia

In Russia, one of the key traditions of Hockey Day is to hold various spectacular events, matches and friendlies. On this day there are indoor and outdoor games, children's tournaments, open training sessions and master classes for hockey fans.

Hockey schools and sections invite children and adults to try their hand at the sport, while professional clubs organize meetings with fans, autograph signings and exhibition matches.

"I wish Ovechkin to break Gretzky's record as early as this season."

Stanley Cup winner, world champion Dmitry Orlov - about his former partner on "Washington", friendship with Bobrovsky and Tarasenko

Special attention is paid to youth hockey tournaments. This helps not only to popularize the sport among young athletes, but also to identify talented players who in the future can join the ranks of professional teams.

Some regions of Russia organize charity matches, the proceeds from which are sent to help children's hockey schools or charitable organizations.

Hockey Day 2024: How to congratulate professional athletes and sports fans

Hockey Day is a great occasion to pay respect to athletes, coaches, fans and those who simply love the game. Here are a few examples of how you can do it:

"Dear athletes! We congratulate you on the All-Russian Day of Hockey! It's not just a sport, it's an art that requires incredible willpower, endurance and skill. Your successes on the ice are a pride for the whole country and an inspiration for future generations of athletes. We wish you new victories, well-coordinated team play, always remain first both on the ice and in life!"

Racing Series: How Russian hockey players perform in the NHL

Ovechkin flies for the record, Michkov rushes for the prize

"Dear athletes! We congratulate you on Hockey Day! Thanks to your dedication and labor, this sport remains a source of national pride. Let every game bring new records, and the support of fans gives strength on the way to victory. Wishing you health and success both on and off the ice!"

"Happy holiday, hockey fans! It unites everyone who appreciates this exciting and dynamic sport. Let every game be full of drive, the puck hits the target, and hockey brings only joy and new acquaintances. See you on the ice!"

Earlier "Izvestia" told about the history and tradition of the Coach's Day in Russia.