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Niinisto, Fetisov play hockey in central Helsinki

Niinisto’s team lost 7-9 to the squad, in which Fetisov played

HELSINKI, February 9. /TASS/. Finnish President Sauli Niinisto took part in an outdoor ice hockey game in central Helsinki on Saturday morning. The event dubbed Save Pond Hockey is being held for the fifth time bringing together 32 teams and over 250 people. Its aim is drawing attention to the climate change issue.

Niinisto played in the match opening the tournament. Other players included Finnish and Russian ice hockey legends Jari Kurri and Vyacheslav Fetisov along with many other well-known Finnish hockey players.

"Playing hockey outdoors helped me fulfill my dream. In my childhood, I spent almost all days from October to April on the ice of ponds and rivers in Moscow. Now you need to wear a swimsuit instead of skates, unfortunately," Fetisov said, commenting on his participation in the game. He added that he was glad to come to Helsinki and play hockey there to draw attention to such an important problem as combating climate change.

Niinisto’s team lost 7-9 to the squad, in which Fetisov played. However, the Finnish president was able to score two goals.

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