MOSCOW, November 1 - The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) has appointed NHL star Pavel Bure, known as the "Russian Rocket," general manager of the Russian Olympic ice hockey team, ROC President Leonid Tyagachyov said.

"I hope that Pavel Bure will help us win gold in Turin," Tyagachyov told a news conference.

President of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation Alexander Steblin said the general manager was in charge of everything related to the team, not just the training process.

Russia will play Slovakia at the Olympics ice hockey opener in Turin February 15.
sections: Sport, World News