Tatarstan Prime Minister congratulates “Ak Bars” players on victory

At a meeting in the RT Cabinet Rustam Minnikhanov congratulated hockey team “Ak Bars” and its fans on brilliant victory in play off series of Continental hockey league. The prize for winners - Gagarin Cup was played for the first time in play off series of Continental hockey league since 2008/2009 season.

“Gagarin Cup was played for the first time and our team managed to struggle for it with dignity, - Rustam Minnikhanov said. – It is the merit of hockey players and those who supported them, - fans and a president of “Ak Bars” club - director general of Tatneft Shafagat Takhautdinov, a coach of “Ak Bars”, who is implementing such a significant work Zinetula Bilyaletdinov”.

RT Prime Minister informed that Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev also supported the team at final game that was held on 12, April. It was not so easy to win in play off series but “Ak Bars” displayed their character and power.

“We are proud of the fact to have such strong team as “Ak Bars” in Tatarstan, - Vice President of hockey club “Ak Bars” Ravil Shavaleev said. – I suppose it is not our last award.”

We remind that “Ak Bars” having become the best Russian team will present the country in European League of champions.

Information:
Gagarin Cup is a hockey prize which will annually be awarded to the winner in play off series of Continental hockey league starting from 2008/2009 season.

The Cup named after the first cosmonaut of the Earth Yury Gagarin is a challenge prize. It is given to the captain of a winning team at the championship closing ceremony. In a year when a club gives the Cup back to organizers they put a champion’s name on it.

The Cup is made of the 925-carat silver with gilding and decorated with small pucks circle-wise. It weighs 19 kilograms and may probably contain 12 liters of champagne. The image of Yury Gagarin and a flying comet are engraved on the front side; a hockey player is depicted on the other side
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