The famous ex-captain of Belarusian hockey team Ruslan Salei was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the International Ice Hockey Federation. The ceremony was held on the last day of the Championship. Together with the Belarusian defender such players as Vyacheslav Bykov and Andrei Chomutov from Russia, Niklas LIdstrema from Sweden and Steve Yzerman, Murray Castelli and Mark Aubrey from Canada were inducted into the Hall of fsme too. Ruslan Salei was the first Belarusian who received this honor. Unfortunately, posthumously...
He defended the colors of the national team for 17 years. Eight world championships and three Olympic Games are on his account.
The quarterfinal game against Sweden in 2002 in Salt Lake City was called a miracle on ice. Belarusians sensationally defeated the Swedes 4-3 and the match got the 28th place in the ranking of major international hockey events of the century.
Now Ruslan Salei is in the list of the best: his name is immortalized in the Hall of Fame of International Ice Hockey Federation.
Tamara Salei, Ruslan Salei mom:
Of his 37 years of life 30 years he gave to hockey, so I think he deserves this award, but, of course, I am very sorry and sad that he is not with us.
Special Prize of Paul Luak was awarded to the sports doctor from Canada Marc Aubry.
Now 195 names are listed in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Players, functionaries, judges - only the best of the best. The surname Salei is the first Belarusian surname in this list. Now and forever it will remain a legend of national and international hockey.
