Novosibirsk got to meet the players for the 2025 Fonbet KHL All-Star Game, which takes place on Feb. 8 and 9 at the Sibir Arena.
The participants in the upcoming All-Star weekend were greeted by Novosibirsk governor Andrei Travnikov, KHL president Alexei Morozov and First Deputy Chairman of Russia’s state duma Alexander Zhukov.
Andrei Travnikov, governor of Novosibirsk Region:
– I’m delighted to welcome you all to Novosibirsk, the capital of Siberia, where we’re staging the easternmost Fonbet KHL All-Star Game. We believe we have the best fans in the league ready to welcome the best players. I’m sure that many cities lay claim to that title but this weekend I think everyone will experience the powerful energy and red-hot atmosphere created by our fans. In the KHL they cheer for Sibir, but on Feb. 8 and 9 they will cheer for every the All Stars.
Alexei Morozov, KHL president:
– The Fonbet All-Star Week continues in Novosibirsk. We started with the Challenge Cup, which got the biggest crowd in JHL history – 10,378 spectators. This shows once again that we chose the right host: here we have modern infrastructure, tickets were sold out in a matter of hours. We’re looking forward to a sell-out crowd, in Novosibirsk people love their hockey and know how to get behind their heroes – our stars can look forward to some fantastic support. I’m looking forward to seeing the players show their skills on the ice, and I wish all of our guests, partners and friends a weekend of unforgettable emotions from a hockey celebration in this hospitable city!
Alexander Zhukov, first deputy chairman of the Russian state duma:
– This festival of hockey in Novosibirsk coincides with the Day of Winter Sports. Feb. 7 was the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, a great event in our sporting history. I’m very happy to see this year’s All-Star Weekend in the capital of Siberia because people here love their hockey like nobody else in the country; it’s the most popular and treasured sport. I’m sure we’ll see great skills from the top players in the KHL; I hope they will put on a real show for the fans.
At the player presentation ceremony, the head coaches of the teams presented the junior players invited to this year’s All-Star Game with their jerseys. Team Tarasov has Matvei Korotky (SKA-1946) and Sergei Lukyantsev (Spartak), who received their jerseys from Igor Nikitin. Yegor Klimovich (Sibirskiye Snaipery) will play for Team Bobrov; Alexei Zhamnov made the presentation for him. Yaromir Yermakov (team Kharlamov) and Maxim Filimonov (Team Chernyshev) got their kit from Benoit Groulx and Viktor Kozlov respectively.
The ceremony was compered by Evgeny Chebatkov and Aidar Garayev, who will also be assistant coaches this weekend. Chebatkov joined Team Chernyshev, while Garayev is on Team Tarasov. Two more stand-up comics, Alexei Stakhovich and Khetag Khugayev, will coach on Team Bobrov and Team Kharlamov.
The Fonbet KHL All-Star Weekend starts on Feb. 8. On day one, fans will see three rounds of the Skill Show, plus two semi-finals in the 3x3 mini-tournament. The following day, Feb. 9, sees the culmination of the Skill Show, plus the medal games from the tournament.