Lead
Vyacheslav Fetisov, a two-time Olympic champion and participant in the upcoming Russia-US hockey match, has told TASS that a return friendly game between the two teams may take place in the United States. The first match is scheduled for July 1 in Moscow.
Coverage comparison
TASS, the Russian state news agency, reported Fetisov's remarks in two separate articles published on June 30. Both articles focus on Fetisov's role in organizing the event and his optimism about a potential rematch. The first article quotes Fetisov directly, while the second provides additional context about the origins of the proposal and Fetisov's alternative suggestion for a legends' match.
Key claims
Fetisov expressed optimism about a rematch, saying, "Most likely, the return match will happen. However, I am under sanctions, so if it takes place, I won't be able to participate." He described the event as "a gesture of goodwill initiated by the leaders of the chambers of commerce and industry of both countries," adding that it has already generated significant public interest.
According to TASS, tickets for the Russia-US hockey game will not be available for sale.
The Red Machine team is expected to feature several National Hockey League players, including forwards Artemy Panarin and Kirill Marchenko, goaltender Igor Shesterkin, defenseman Alexander Romanov, and Stanley Cup champions Mikhail Sergachev and Alexander Nikishin. Russian hockey veterans, including Olympic champion Andrey Kovalenko, are also anticipated to participate. Spartak Moscow football club general director Sergey Nekrasov and Russia 25 head coach Roman Rotenberg are expected to take part, as is Igor Butman, People's Artist of Russia and artistic director of the Moscow Jazz Orchestra.
In a separate interview with TASS, Fetisov discussed the broader context of the event, noting that in March 2025, US President Donald Trump expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to organize exhibition hockey matches between players from the NHL and the KHL. Fetisov said, "Our country's president mentioned this to President Trump and provided him with a clear direction on the matter."
However, Fetisov acknowledged that organizing games with professional leagues is complex and time-consuming. "Unfortunately, these projects don't come together quickly," he said. "From discussions with experts, I estimate it would take two to three years to organize a single game - let alone a series of matches. That's why I've proposed a legends' match instead; it's more feasible. We've been in talks with our colleagues for several months now, and we're hopeful we can reach an agreement."
As previously reported by TASS, the July 1 event at Luzhniki Stadium will feature a match between the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia team and the Russian team Red Machine.