Czech automotive manufacturer Skoda has extended a deal to remain as the main sponsor of the International Ice Hockey Federation’s World Championship.
Skoda has served as main sponsor of the national team tournament since 1993 and will continue its support for the 2016 competition, which takes place in the Russian cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg from May 6-22.
The firm will stage a series of events in the lead up to this year’s Championship, including a special event to mark the reopening of the Yubileyny Sports Palace Ice Arena in St. Petersburg.
Skoda also recently hosted an event in St. Petersburg where a number of its cars were driven through the centre of the city, accompanied by a host of ice hockey personalities such as Vladislav Kamenev, captain of the Russian junior national team.
A total of 16 teams will compete at this year’s tournament, which will begin with the opening match between host Russia and the Czech Republic.