Vladimir Putin Plays Hockey at Gala Match in Sochi

Vladimir Putin has played hockey at a gala match with retired NHL players in Sochi.

The Russian president scored eight goals – with a little help from Pavel Bure and Valeri Kamensky – and his team won 18-6.

PM Dmitry Medvedev was among audience.

Vladimir Putin, 62, better known for his love of judo, only recently took up hockey and clearly enjoyed himself.

The president’s performance on skates drew jokes on social media.

The Sochi match, held to celebrate 70 years since Victory in World War Two, coincided with Russia’s national hockey team winning the semi-final in the ice hockey world championship against the US 4-0.

In March, questions were raised about the health of Vladimir Putin, who plunged the world into uncertainty last year by annexing Crimea from Ukraine, when he disappeared from public view for 10 days before re-emerging without explanation.