Putin and the Billionaires Take to the Ice

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) talks to International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) President Rene Fase during a gala game of the Night Ice Hockey League in Sochi, Russia, May 10, 2016.? 




Putin led a team of Russian officials and former hockey players, including defense minister Sergei Shoigu, in the match in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi. Russian hockey stars Vyacheslav Fetisov and Pavel Bure also played alongside the 63-year-old President.? 





They competed against a team of businessmen, some of whom are known for their close ties to the Kremlin. They included billionaires Arkady and Boris Rotenberg, Gennady Timchenko, Vladimir Potanin and the governor of Moscow region Andrei Vorobyov.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) takes part in a gala game of the Night Ice Hockey League in Sochi.

Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in a gala game of the Night Ice Hockey League in Sochi.

Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in a gala game of the Night Ice Hockey League in Sochi.

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with participants of a gala game of the Night Ice Hockey League in Sochi.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Soviet former player Alexander Yakushev hold a trophy as they take part in a gala game of the Night Ice Hockey League in Sochi.

Participants of a gala game of the Night Ice Hockey League in Sochi.