On Frozen Blog

In our continuing series of Moscow bonus coverage: photos from the 2007 Gazprom Cup, an old-timers’ benefit game that boasted an impressive roster for both teams.
The Gazprom team (in blue) was captained by Gazprom’s Alexander Medvedev, a die-hard hockey fan and good player in his own right. The Gazprom coach was the great former goaltender Vladislav Tretiak. The World Team saw Scotty Bowman’s return to coaching duties.

Click the group photo for a larger version

So as you may have read, Steve Yzerman was slated to play in this game. He did not attend, however, though he was in Moscow and later appeared at the post-game press conference when Canada won the gold medal.Since the World Stars team already had an Yzerman jersey ready, a Greek player (whose name was unannounced) decided to take the ice in Yzerman’s place and in his jersey as well, since Yzerman was slated to wear #91 (the reverse of his traditional #19). The Greek skater taped over Yzerman’s nameplate, and played the whole game in a black baseball cap and Stevie Y’s sweater. Clearly this event was more for fun than for intense competition. In the photo on the right, Phoenix Coyotes’ pro scout Christian Ruuttu and his countryman Hannu Virta skate for the World team. Ruuttu was staying at the same hotel as we were; he shared some entertaining stories late-night in the hotel lobby, including the revelation of Joe Reekie’s nickname in his early Buffalo days: Pokecheck Joe

Former Detroit Red Wing Doug Brown (left, in orange) controls the puck

Mike Vogel, Igor Larionov, and Mike Rucki

Jyrki Lumme (21) and Reed Larson (26) on defense

Mike Vogel, Slava Fetisov, and Mike Rucki (photo: Sean Parker)

Christian Ruuttu receives his award from Alexander Medvedev and Vladislav Tretiak

Scotty Bowman holding court

Esa Tikkannen back on the ice

Jari Kurri (17)

Sean Parker, Esa Tikkannen, and Mike Vogel

Mike Rucki and Scotty Bowman

Jyrki Lumme and Mike Rucki