New York Rangers teammates Igor Shesterkin and Vladislav Gavrikov are set to take part in one of hockey’s biggest offseason events when they compete in the annual Match of the Year charity game on July 25 at SKA Arena in St. Petersburg, Russia.
The pair will be joined by several current and former NHL stars, including former Rangers forwards Artemi Panarin and Pavel Buchnevich, as the exhibition once again brings together many of Russia’s top professional players to raise money for charitable causes.
The event, confirmed through the tournament’s official social media channels, has quickly become one of the premier summer hockey showcases, attracting elite talent from both the NHL and the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
Charity event continues to grow
The Match of the Year was launched in 2024 by Panarin and Utah Mammoth defenseman Mikhail Sergachev, who wanted to combine high-level hockey with community outreach.
Funds raised from the event support two charitable initiatives: Panarin’s Arena Play network of youth sports centers and Sergachev’s Sector 98 Foundation, which focuses on helping children and promoting youth development through sports.
Sergachev recently explained that the idea came together while he was recovering from an injury during the 2023-24 NHL season.
With extra time away from the ice, he contacted Panarin about creating a unique charity event that would unite Russia’s top hockey players.
Panarin then suggested involving Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin, helping transform the concept into one of the country’s most anticipated annual hockey events.
Event moves to St. Petersburg for first time
After successful editions held in Moscow during the previous two summers, organizers have decided to move this year’s game to St. Petersburg.
According to Panarin, the relocation reflects the event’s growing popularity across Russia.
The organizers believe bringing the showcase to different cities will allow even more fans to experience the event while expanding its charitable impact nationwide.
New draft format adds excitement
One of the biggest changes for the 2026 edition is the introduction of a player draft.
Unlike previous years, when NHL players competed directly against KHL stars, this year’s participants were divided through a draft conducted by Panarin and Sergachev.
Ovechkin was the lone exception, with his team determined through a lottery draw.
During the draft, Panarin selected his former Rangers teammates Shesterkin and Gavrikov to join his roster.
Former Rangers winger Pavel Buchnevich, now one of the St. Louis Blues’ top forwards after spending his first five NHL seasons in New York, was selected to play for Sergachev’s team.
Loaded rosters feature NHL superstars
Panarin’s squad boasts an impressive lineup featuring some of the NHL’s biggest names.
Joining Shesterkin and Gavrikov are Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov, two-time Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, Philadelphia Flyers rising star Matvei Michkov, Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin, and veteran defenseman Dmitry Orlov.
Sergachev’s team is equally stacked, led by Ovechkin alongside New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin, San Jose Sharks netminder Yaroslav Askarov, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko, Washington Capitals winger Aliaksei Protas, Vancouver Canucks forward Vasily Podkolzin, and Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov.
The star-studded lineups promise another entertaining showcase featuring many of Russia’s premier hockey talents.
More than just a hockey game
Beyond the action on the ice, organizers have expanded the event into a full-scale entertainment experience.
Hockey Hall of Famer Igor Larionov is among the coaches participating in this year’s contest, adding another legendary figure to the festivities.
The event will also feature live musical performances, fan activities, and interactive entertainment designed to create an atmosphere similar to the NHL All-Star Weekend.
For Rangers fans, the exhibition offers another opportunity to see Shesterkin and Gavrikov on the ice together during the offseason while supporting causes that benefit young athletes and charitable organizations.
As the Match of the Year continues to grow in popularity, the annual showcase has become one of hockey’s premier summer events, combining elite competition, star power, and philanthropy into a celebration of the sport beyond the NHL season.
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