In Irkutsk, the third Mayor's Cup in mini bandy for neighborhood teams starts, qualifying games begin January 27 on rinks in all city districts. Teams based at schools can take part, and about 70 teams are expected this year, almost one and a half times more than last year. Organizers promise to provide uniforms to those who played without them before, and the final matches and Cup closing will take place at the end of February. Winners and prizewinners will receive medals, cups, certificates and sports equipment.

«Teams formed on the basis of schools, on a neighborhood principle, will take part in the hockey battles. We do not forbid boys from neighboring areas to play. Last year, boys from Listvyanka played with us. This year, young hockey players from Karluk want to play as well,” said Dmitry Abramovich, head of the Department for Physical Culture, Sports and Youth Policy of the Irkutsk City Administration.
Qualifying games will begin on January 27 at hockey rinks in all districts of Irkutsk. Boys who previously played without uniforms will receive them for the duration of the games. Most matches will be held on weekends. A schedule will be drawn up for weekday games so that the boys do not miss classes at school.
“Each team must have 8 people: four field players, one goalkeeper, and three substitutes. The games will be held according to the rules of mini bandy, which were developed by the bandy federation. Two referees will work at each match. All referees have undergone training and took part in theoretical and practical sessions conducted by professional referees,” noted Sergey Shevelev, chief referee of the 3rd Irkutsk Mayor’s Cup in mini bandy among neighborhood teams.
Last year, 49 teams in two age categories took part in the Mayor’s Cup, about 400 people in total. This year, about 70 teams are expected to participate.
The final games and the closing of the Mayor’s Cup are scheduled for the end of February. Traditionally, the top two teams from each district in one age group will advance to the final.
The winners and prizewinners of the Mayor’s Cup will be awarded medals, cups, certificates, and sports equipment for further improvement of their skills.
Based on materials from the press service of the Irkutsk City Administration