The seven-day event, starting Aug. 29, will include heros such as Slava Fetisov, Sergei Makarov, Vladimir Krutov and Alexei Kasatonov -- four-fifths of the "Green Machine," the Soviet national team which dominated international hockey in the 1980s.
Emerging stars playing in the all-star tournament include Sergei Zubov, the New York Rangers defenseman who led his championship team in regular season points.
"Our fans know very little about how we are playing in the NHL, and we will use this opportunity to play for them," said Fetisov, who purchased the trophy for the competition as a way of supporting the event.
"Economically it's a very bad situation here," said the former New Jersey Devils defenseman after a recent practice at a Moscow hockey rink. "The fans don't believe in anything because all the best players left for money. Just to play one game will be good for moral support."
Tovbulatov said revenue from advertisers at the all-star tournament would be used to renovate training facilities, help retired hockey players and fund youth hockey organizations.
Six teams will compete on a round-robin basis at the newly renovated Sokolniki Sports Complex in northeast Moscow.
Three Russian all-star squads as well as club teams from Sweden, Slovakia and Finland are taking part. Total prize money is set at $100,000.
MTK (Channel Three) will televise the competition.
While most tickets are be given away to minor-league organizations and veterans, Tovbulatov said seats will be available to expatriates at a cost of $20 for the opening ceremonies on Aug. 30 and the final on Sept. 4. Admission to other games costs $10 to $12.
To order tickets or get more information, fax the Spartak Hockey Club at 964-15-07.
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