The message reads in part:
"People know you as a wonderful athlete, a bold and determined person and consider you one of the great 20th century hockey players. Due largely to your professionalism, talent and amazing capacity for work, the Russian national hockey team has repeatedly placed in the most prestigious world competitions and has twice become an Olympic champion.
"I am happy to note that your current life is inseparably linked with your favourite pursuit and aims to preserve the victorious traditions of your beloved Spartak club and its winning development."