December 1 — All-Russian Hockey Day: history, traditions, congratulations

Russia celebrates All—Russian Hockey Day on December 1, a holiday that unites millions of fans of one of the most popular sports in the country. Its goal is not only to recognize the achievements of legendary athletes and coaches, but also the opportunity to attract a new generation of hockey players to the ice fields. Izvestia tells us what traditions are associated with Hockey Day and how it will be celebrated in 2025.

The history of the sports festival on December 1st

The holiday was established in 2007 on the initiative of the legendary goalkeeper Vladislav Tretyak, President of the Russian Hockey Federation (RIHF). The choice of date is not accidental — it was on December 1, 1946 that this organization was founded, which manages all aspects of hockey in the country and acts as the official representative of domestic hockey on the world stage.

However, the formation of this sport has deeper roots. Back in the early 20th century, bandy, known as "Russian hockey", was popular in the country. But it gained great popularity only in the late 1940s, when the puck replaced the ball and the first professional hockey clubs began to form.

The Soviet hockey school quickly gained prestige all over the world. Ten years after its foundation, in 1956, the USSR national team made its debut at the Winter Olympic Games in Cortina d'Ampezzo (Italy), winning gold medals. It was a triumph that heralded the birth of a new hockey power.

In the following decades, the national team established an unprecedented series of victories: it became Olympic champion eight times. (1956, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1984, 1988, 1992) and 22 times world champion. The indisputable authority of Soviet hockey was created by outstanding coaches: Arkady Chernyshev, Anatoly Tarasov, Viktor Tikhonov, as well as a galaxy of brilliant players — Vsevolod Bobrov, Valery Kharlamov, Vladislav Tretyak, Boris Mikhailov and many others.

Hockey players became real national heroes. They were invited to television, songs were written about them, documentaries and feature films were shot. After the collapse of the USSR, Russian hockey went through a difficult period, which was associated with economic difficulties and the departure of leading players to foreign clubs.

After a long period of stagnation, Russian hockey regained its lost positions and former glory. The symbols of the new stage were the victories of the Russian national team at the world Championships in 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2014, as well as the triumph at the Olympic Games in Pyeongchang in 2018, where our hockey players won the first gold in 26 years.

"We can repeat the success of last season"

Lokomotiv hockey player Artur Kayumov talks about the chances of retaining the Gagarin Cup, the new head coach of Yaroslavl, his record and the Russian national team

Traditions of the All-Russian Hockey Day

Over the years of the holiday's existence, stable traditions have been formed, which are supported at the federal and regional levels. One of the key traditions is holding friendly matches and tournaments with the participation of veterans and current hockey stars.

These games are charitable in nature and provide fans with a unique opportunity to chat with their idols in an informal setting, get autographs and take photos together.

The central event is also the holding of mass events aimed at popularizing hockey. On this day, tournaments among children's and youth teams, open days at sports schools and master classes from players of leading football clubs are held throughout the country. Young athletes are given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and receive advice from experienced mentors.

Honoring sports veterans has become another important tradition. You can see the legends of Russian hockey not only at the ice arenas, but also in museums and libraries, where themed evenings and exhibitions dedicated to the history of hockey are held. Famous politicians, artists, and musicians are also joining the celebration. On the occasion of the holiday, they take out their skates and go out on the ice.

Hockey Day events in Russia in 2025

In 2025, the festive program promises to be just as intense. The key event in the capital will be the Hockey Day festival, which will be held on December 6 at VDNH. A variety of activities have been prepared for guests, designed for different ages and levels of training. The central element of the program will be amateur matches and open mini-tournaments on the ice rink.

The participants will get a unique chance to play together with the world champions. Professionals will share their experience and help with the equipment. At the same time, there will be a training area where you can practice key elements of hockey skills. In addition, the festival's guests will enjoy contests, quizzes and gifts from sponsors. Participation in the celebration is free of charge. The events will last from 11:00 to 19:00.

Those who are interested in the history of hockey can visit the thematic exposition at the Dynamo Museum exhibition center, which was timed to coincide with the All-Russian Hockey Day. Visitors will see unique sports paraphernalia, cups, medals and athletes' equipment dating back to 1926. Among them are the hockey skates of Vyacheslav Solovyov, 11—time USSR bandy champion, and the stick of Vasily Pervukhin, multiple world and European champion.

Succession Review: which of the Russians is showing itself clearly at the start of the NHL season

Dorofeev is the best sniper, Marchenko and Voronkov are pulling Columbus, Ovechkin is approaching the 900 mark.

How to congratulate athletes and fans on Hockey Day

Congratulations on Hockey Day are addressed not only to professionals, but also to everyone who is passionate about this sport. Fans and fans can enjoy tickets to the match, a book about the history of hockey, or an autographed collector's card from a famous player. High-quality sports equipment or accessories with the symbols of your favorite club will also be a valuable gift.

For children, you can choose skates, a hockey stick or a helmet as a gift, which will serve as an incentive for further training. Themed souvenirs will be appropriate for coaches and players — figurines symbolizing the sporting spirit, posters or paintings with hockey themes.

Happy Hockey Day Greetings

"Please accept my sincere congratulations on Hockey Day! Your wisdom and guidance lead the team to victory. I wish you patience, inspiration and talented students. May your tactical decisions always turn out to be infallible, and may your authority only grow stronger. Thank you for your invaluable contribution to the development of this great sport!"

"Congratulations on the All-Russian Hockey Day! I wish the ice was always smooth and the puck flew right on target. May the spirit of competition and the joy of the game fill this day. I wish you good health, athletic enthusiasm and brilliant victories on all life platforms!"

"Congratulations on the All-Russian Hockey Day! Let each of your shots be accurate, and let the teamwork be perfect. I wish you good health, incredible victories and brilliant goals in matches of the highest level. May your career be long and full of triumphs. You are a true example of fortitude and skill!"

"Congratulations on the celebration of the most dynamic sport — Hockey Day! May each training session bring you joy and new skills. Dream of great victories, strive for them and never give up. Believe in yourself, and one day your name will definitely be heard on the largest ice arenas in the country!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the All-Russian Gymnastics Day.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.