Igor Shesterkin headlines star-studded charity hockey game in Russia on July 25

New York Rangers star Igor Shesterkin will headline a star-studded charity hockey game in Russia on July 25 at SKA Arena in St. Petersburg.

The annual Match of the Year event returns for its third edition, featuring NHL and KHL stars from across Russia. Shesterkin and teammate Vladislav Gavrikov will suit up alongside former Rangers forwards Artemi Panarin and Pavel Buchnevich.

What happened?

The Match of the Year charity game was created by Panarin and Mikhail Sergachev in 2024. Proceeds benefit Panarin’s Arena Play sports centers and Sergachev’s Sector 98 foundation. After two straight years in Moscow, the event moves to St. Petersburg for the first time.

This year’s edition introduces a draft format. Alex Ovechkin drew a lottery ball to determine his team. Panarin and Sergachev served as captains during Sunday’s selection. Panarin picked Shesterkin and Gavrikov for his squad.

Why it matters for Igor Shesterkin

Shesterkin’s participation adds star power to a game already packed with NHL talent. His presence highlights the growing influence of Russian hockey stars in charitable initiatives. The event also features Hall of Famer Igor Larionov as a coach.

Team Panarin includes Kirill Kaprizov, Sergei Bobrovsky, Matvei Mitchkov, Valeri Nichushkin, and Dmitry Orlov. Team Sergachev boasts Ovechkin alongside Ilya Sorokin, Yaroslav Askarov, Kirill Marchenko, Aliaksei Protas, Vasily Podkolzin, and Alexander Romanov.

What comes next?

The Match of the Year game takes place on July 25 at SKA Arena in St. Petersburg. Organizers expect strong attendance and national interest. The event blends hockey action with musical performances, mirroring the NHL All-Star Game’s entertainment style.

Panarin, now with the Los Angeles Kings, returns to New York for the first time since his February trade. Buchnevich, acquired by St. Louis from the Rangers, will face his former teammates in the charity match.