putin scores 7 goals during birthday hockey game with nhl veterans

MOSCOW — It would be hard to imagine a more perfect birthday for Vladimir V. Putin, the president of Russia, who turned 63 on Wednesday.

Mr. Putin celebrated his birthday by playing a game of hockey with N.H.L. veterans, and winning.

Donning skates and a uniform, Mr. Putin took to the ice in the Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi as a member of a team called Stars of the N.H.L., which included, among other hockey legends, Pavel Bure, known as the Russian Rocket.

The game was broadcast live on national television as the highlight of a day of adoring homages to the Russian leader.

Mr. Putin scored seven goals to lead his team to a 15-10 victory.

[link to www.nytimes.com]