4th Christmas International Ice Hockey Tournament for Prizes of Belarus’ President starts in Minsk January 4

The 4th Christmas International Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament for the Prizes of the President of the Republic of Belarus opens today, January 4, in Minsk. Competing in the event will be eight teams. They will be divided into two groups. Group A features Belarus, Canada, Switzerland and Austria. Group B – Russia, Germany, Finland and Ukraine. The group winners advance to the finals; the second-placed teams will play for the bronze medal. The host country is traditionally represented by the hockey team of the President of the Republic of Belarus. The Belarusian team will play all matches in the sports palace. Belarus will play Canada tonight, January 4, Switzerland – on January 5 and Austria – on January 6. The official opening ceremony will take place in the sports palace on January 4 at 18h00. Since 2006 the tournament has been held under the patronage of the president’s sports club. The list of the organisers includes the Ministry of Sport and Tourism of the Republic of Belarus, Minsk City Council and Ice Hockey Federation of Belarus.