CSKA Hockey Club presents Gagarin Cup at Rosneft Pavilion during Hockey Week
In a ceremonial moment at the Rosneft pavilion within the Russian exhibition and forum, the CSKA hockey club graciously handed the Gagarin Cup to the VDNKh venue as part of the kickoff for Hockey Week. The event also featured signings with club veterans and well-known supporters, arranged through the company’s press service.
The opening ceremony drew distinguished figures including eight-time USSR champion and CSKA legend Alexander Volchkov, alongside a number of devoted fans that have become synonymous with the club, such as Olympic champions Alexei Nemov and Svetlana Khorkina, and People’s Artist of the Russian Federation Askold Zapashny.
During Hockey Week’s opening, Denis Denisov, the sports director for HC CSKA, commented on the ongoing partnership with Rosneft stating that their collaboration goes beyond pursuing national championship glory.
“What we’ve built extends to a deeper, more comprehensive system. With more than a dozen years of Rosneft cooperation, CSKA has established a framework and philosophy focused on nurturing and developing high-level athletes from childhood,” Denisov explained.
Volchkov, a CSKA legend, highlighted Rosneft’s pivotal role in advancing the club and its hockey program, noting the strong impact the company has had on the sport’s growth and the team’s ability to lead by example. He expressed hope that this tradition would continue to be carried with honor.
Four-time Olympic champion Alexei Nemov praised CSKA players for demonstrating through their dedication and natural talent that human potential is boundless.
Svetlana Khorkina, a two-time Olympic champion, along with Askold Zapashny, a People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, acknowledged their loyalty as fans and admitted they expected another triumph for CSKA in Russia’s national tournament.
Rosneft underscored its strong commitment to the development and support of both mass participation and elite sport. The company has held ownership of the club for 12 years, and through this period has kept alive the storied army traditions while helping CSKA maintain its status as a leading force in Russian hockey. The club has clinched the Gagarin Cup three times in the past four seasons. Representatives of the national team who trained with CSKA also celebrated the return of Olympic gold to Russia in 2018.
Additionally, the organization announced that December 1 would mark the 77th anniversary of Russian hockey with fan-focused meetings at the Rosneft pavilion. These gatherings would bring together players, coaches, veterans of the club, and celebrated supporters for a memorable day in honor of the sport’s history in Russia.
Hockey Week is scheduled to continue through December 3 at the Rosneft pavilion at VDNKh, offering fans a concentrated program of games, activities, and opportunities to engage with the CSKA family and its supporters.