Russia's national ice hockey team went back to the USSR by donning the famous jersey of the legendary Soviet squad but failed to recapture past glories as they slumped to defeat against Finland.

Russia on Thursday played the first period of their Euro Hockey Tour match away to Finland in the strip of the famed Red Machine team but ending up losing 3-0.

The eye-catching initiative came from the Finland team, who celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tampere's ice palace and also came onto the ice rink in retro jerseys.

Former Soviet international keeper Alexander Pashkov, who helped win the 1972 Winter Olympics champion, approved of the Finnish plan.

"I like the Finns initiative," Pashkov said.

"It shows that they know history and demonstrate their respect for Soviet hockey.

"It's an interesting initiative, which looks good for the hockey players. I hope the other hockey superpowers will join this experiment."
Source: AFP