The Russian star ensemble defended its title at the Final Four of the World Legends Hockey League over the weekend. In Straubing, Bure, Fetisov and Co. won the final against the Czech Republic 6-4 and celebrated their second tournament victory in a row. The Russian selection had already secured success at the premiere tournament of the newly founded World Legends Hockey League last year.
In front of more than 2.000 spectators, the World Legends Hockey League reached its climax on Sunday with the final between Russia and the Czech Republic. Fans saw a balanced game in the first third: Beranek initially gave the Czechs the lead, but Gordiyuk equalized the score at 1-1 before the first third siren. In the middle section, the defending champion turned up the heat and, thanks to Kovalenko, Varitsky, Bure and Larionov, took a 5-1 lead and thus the preliminary decision. As a result, the Czechs made their own result even more impressive with goals from Kucharcik, Eichenmann and Zemlicka, but ultimately had to admit defeat 4:6. “The Russian Rocket” Pavel Bure scored two goals in the final and was later named the best player in his nation. On the other side, this honor was given to Petr Taticek. At the award ceremony that followed, the Russian selection celebrated their final victory against the Czech Republic and thus defended their title from the previous year.
The semi-finals of the World Legends Hockey League had already taken place in Straubing on Saturday. There the Czech selection beat Sweden 7-2. Russia reached the final with a 5-1 win against Slovakia. The losers of the two games played a game for third place on Sunday before the final. Slovakia was able to beat Sweden 7-2.
Michael Pfuhl, DEB-General Secretary: “The EHC Straubing eV has worked with the Straubing Tigers put on a great event. The atmosphere was very special throughout the entire event. The final between Russia and the Czech Republic was a great and worthy conclusion to this event."
The World Legend Hockey League is a league founded in Moscow in 2015 and officially supported and promoted by the world association IIHF with former ice hockey star Bavel Pure as president. In the first season, the field of participants consisted of Russia, which already secured the title in the first year, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, Finland and Germany. France has been added this year.
All results from the Final Four in Straubing at a glance:
Saturday, 8th of April 2017
Semi-final: Sweden – Czech Republic 2:7
Semi-final: Russia – Slovakia 5:1
Sunday 9. April 2017
Game for 3rd place: Sweden – Slovakia 2:7
Final: Czech Republic – Russia 4:6
The final between Russia and the Czech Republic in full length (with Russian commentary):
By downloading the video you accept the privacy policy of YouTube.
Learn more