Roman Rotenberg, First Vice President of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation (FHR) and head coach of the “Russia 25” national team, has commented on the upcoming Gagarin Cup final between Lokomotiv and Ak Bars.
“I have many friends in both Ak Bars and Lokomotiv in the final. What I really like is the motivation driving the guys from Lokomotiv—sporting fury and the drive of young players like Berezkin, who has been called up to the Russian national team for Euro Tours for a long time. Many players from Lokomotiv regularly join the national team.
“Likewise, many guys from Ak Bars have been here—for instance, Safonov, who comes every year and provides great help. I have players in both teams. Both squads are very strong, and the final will be exciting, with many skilled performers.
“The strongest will win, and we’ll see some excellent hockey. I’ll follow and watch all the games, supporting everyone. The most important thing is for everyone to avoid injuries and to deliver hockey that fills the stands and inspires kids to join hockey schools,” Rotenberg stated.
