Farewell match of Morozov: Zaripov at goals and double of Minnikhanov

On August 14,a friendly match between AlekseyMorozov and IlyaKovalchuk was held in Kazan Sports Palace during a charity event, From Heart. This match becamefarewell to thelegendary captain of Ak Bars. Number 95 was accompanied by such well-known players as AleksandrOvechkin, IlyaKovalchukIlyaNikulin, Sergey Mozyakin, AleksandrRadulov, DanisZaripov, Sergei Zinoviev, Evgeny Medvedev, AlekseyEmelin, Fred Bretueyt, and many others. Also, deputy Prime Minister ArkadyDvorkovich, Russian Minister of Open Government Mikhail Abyzov, acting President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Kazan Mayor IlsurMetshin, and others were on the ice. All fundscollected on the matchtransferred to two orphanages in Kazan and Saratov. The heads of the children's institutions was handed a check for 8 million rubles.

The team of Morozov won the match scoring11:9. It is interesting that children came on the ice along with the big-name players for one of the game pieces. Then, Zaripov and Radulovtook places at the goals. Main hero of the occasion AlekseyMorozov scored a hat-trick. By the way, leader of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov chalked up a double.

AlekseyMorozov was awarded a certificate on making Morozov’s nameplate toAk Bars Hockey Hall of Fame for outstanding athletic achievements and personal contribution to the development of professional and youth hockey in Tatarstan. The hockey T-shirt with number 95 will be hoisted under the arches of Tatneft Arena during the first hockey match of the new season.

We have gathered opinions of some participants of the match on Aleksey Morozov

Ak Bars head coach ZinetulaBilyaletdinov. Aleksey played here for a long time, being the leader of the team. This match shows how much we grateful for everything he has done for our hockey. I think - it's great! This is a very good event. Morozov is a good mannot only on the ice,he is decent, modest, although he has great merits and a lot of attention is always paid to him. Aleksey is a good family man. It was easy enough to work with him, despite the fact that he is a great player. We have mutual understanding and in hockey and life.

Ex-partner DanisZaripov. I spent most of my career in Kazan. The best years were spent here. I've been here for formation as a hockey player. Here, I was shown the right way. I always pleased to come to the capital of Tatarstan. Kazan has become my hometown. I say only warm words about Aleksey, I still have good memories. He played with me in one link in our team since he came here until the day when he left. This is an outstanding manand a hockey player of the highest level. A leader of any team.Morozov has always led not only by goals but by his real-life example.

Former defender of Ak BarsEvgenyMedvedev.Morozov’s contribution is impossible to measure. He did a lot for the development both in Kazan hockey and in the whole country. He is a true leader not only on the ice but in a locker room. My huge compliment for him.Aleksey is always respected.

Captain of FC SKA, ex-partner IlyaKovalchuk. We have seen off Morozov after a good career. He still has whole life ahead. He's a young guy. He has great ambition and a lot of knowledge. I think he will continue to work for the glory of Russian hockey. 
Morozov is a great friend of mine. Our families are friends. I'm godfather of his son, he is a godfather of mine. We lived together in training campand play together in the national team. It is a great pleasure to play with the master. A trio ofMorozov - Zaripov - Zinoviev will go down in history of Russian hockey.

Former defender of Ak Bars Vitaly Proshkin.Morozovbrought a lot to our hockey team as captain of the national team andAk Bars. People came to see him,T-shirts with number 95 were sold out very actively. He deserve that his shirt will be posted under the arches of Tatneft Arena.

Former striker of Ak Bars Aleksey Tereshchenko.Aleksey Morozov isa great athlete and a great man. He deserved that he is honored and paid tribute. He has donevery much for Ak Bars, Tatarstan and the whole country. Low bow and my great respect for him.

Forward of WashingtonAleksandrOvechkin. Morozov isa greatest hockey player. God grant that things go well with him at the World Hockey League, his experience and knowledge will help him. He will not be lost in the future. He always gave advice in a locker room for us and the coaching staff. I am pleased that we have good relationships with Aleksey.