Vladimir Putin Scores 8 Goals in Exhibition Hockey Game with Former NHL Players

Russian President Vladimir Putin may have well been Wayne Gretzky on the ice over the weekend, as he scored 8 goals in a government-run exhibition game in Sochi on Saturday as part of the nation’s World War II victory 70th anniversary celebrations.

The highlights show that Putin didn’t meet much resistance (we promise this is the only geopolitical joke we’ve got) when he drove to the net to score his goals. He was aided by some former NHL stars in his performance, including hall of famer Pavel Bure.

Putin has always had a love for hockey and plays in exhibition games from time to time. He’s also been spotted on horseback– shirtless of course– in a Formula One race car, and taking part in karate.

Of course, Putin’s efforts could only take his country so far. The next day, Russia lost in the IIHF World Championship Gold Medal game to Canada by a score of 6-1. And if you thought hockey Twitter is relentless any time some other sport’s athlete gets hurt, you should see them with their Putin jokes.

Sorry, Russia, but at least your president had an eight goal night!