Russian President Vladimir Putin joined members of the Russian Amateur Ice Hockey League for a training session on Wednesday, the Russian Orthodox Christmas Eve.
The Russian president donned his usual number 11 shirt and skated out onto the rink of the Ice Palace in the Krasnaya Polyana Olympic facility near Sochi, in southern Russia.
Putin trained with league members, scoring a goal, before taking a break to pose for photographers at the rink side.
It’s not the first time Putin has laced up the skates.
Putin, who turned 63-years-old last October, spent his birthday going head-to-head with former NHL players, other Russian officials, and the nation’s biggest tycoons.
WATCH: Vladimir Putin lights the lamp seven times against former NHL’ers
Putin scored seven goals as his star-studded team, which included NHL legends Vyacheslav Fetisov and Pavel Bure, won the game 15-10.
Putin was even given a trophy for his team’s win at the end of the game and a medal for his contribution to hockey in Russia
READ MORE: Vladimir Putin plays hockey with ex-NHL’ers on 63rd birthday
In May 2014, Putin netted six goals during a game at a festival of hockey in Sochi, helping his team to a 21-4 victory.
WATCH: Vladimir Putin joins hockey game, scores six goals
Putin skated alongside amateurs of the Night Hockey League (NHL) in that game.
The NHL was created by Putin in 2011 to enable businessmen and women, governors and ministers who worked during the day, to fulfil their hockey dreams on an evening.
READ MORE: Vladimir Putin scores six goals in hockey festival
Speaking to the media after the game, Putin said the aim of the festival was to attract more people to the sport.
“We have no winners and no losers, it’s a friendly game,” he said.
The NHL festival involved 108 teams from 55 Russian regions and 11 foreign countries.
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