YEREVAN, OCTOBER 15, ARMENPRESS. The former goaltender for the Soviet Union's national ice hockey team, Olympic Champion, Champion of the World, Champion of Europe, the President of the Hockey Federation of the Russian Federation, member of the Russian State Duma, holder of the Best Hockey Player of the 20th Century title Vladislav Tretyak has paid an official visit to Armenia. "Armenpress" News Agency had a conversation with Vladislav Tretyak regarding the prospects of hockey development in Armenia and the support of the Russian side in this respect.

- Vladislav Alexandrovich, this is Your first visit to Armenia. You came here to sign a memorandum on cooperation with the Hockey Federation of Armenia. Aren’t You surprised at the fact that a southern hot country wants to record success in hockey?

- No, I am not surprised. On the contrary – I am very glad for that. If the Armenians want to play hockey, then they will indispensably do that. The junior hockey teams from Armenia used to perform successfully at the Soviet Union and the hot climate was not an obstacle for them. If the people want to play hockey, then what do they need? Ice rinks, sport equipment, etc. But the desire is above all things.

- The cooperation with Your Armenian colleagues has long-term prospects. But hockey in our country and in Russia are in quite different levels.

- That's the main goal of my visit to Armenia. I want to contribute to the improvement of hockey's level in Armenia. Previously, the top Soviet hockey players of our time were in Armenia and even organized a match in Yerevan. These all is aimed at contributing to the development of hockey in Armenia. By the way, Russia will also benefit our agreement. (THE FULL VERSION OF THE INTERVIEW IS AVAILABLE IN ARMENIAN)

Interview by Zaven Vardanyan