The head coach of Kyiv Capitals, Vadym Shakhraichuk, discussed the team’s preparation for the season, upcoming training sessions in England, and shared his thoughts on the performance of the new players during the training camp.
Vadym, the preparations for the season are ongoing, and let’s kick off by delving into the latest updates. Could you enlighten us on how the notion of engaging in friendlies with Coventry Blaze unfolded?
Back in June, myself along with the club’s investor attended the Congress of European Club`s Alliance in Prague, which visited around a hundred attendees. Notably, Ukraine was solely represented by Kyiv Capitals. At this event we crossed paths with the officials from Coventry Blaze, who extended a proposal for two friendly matches. The fact that England had taken notice of our club and the championship at large was truly heartening. Of course, we accepted such invitation.
What tasks do you prioritize for the team in these upcoming matches?
To begin, addressing all visa-related matters and ensuring safe passage to the destination should be top priorities. This marks our young club’s inaugural venture into international matches, and it’s crucial to make a strong impression. In the matches against Coventry Blaze, our aim is to showcase the high standard of hockey in Ukraine. The composition of our team for these games will play a significant role in our performance. Undoubtedly, these encounters represent a vital phase in our preparation for the forthcoming season.
Currently, there is still uncertainty around the start date of the upcoming season. How challenging is it to prepare a team without a set schedule in place?
Despite the lack of a clear start date, the team members are already aware of the expectations and requirements, allowing them to anticipate and prepare accordingly. However, having a confirmed start date would greatly aid in creating a comprehensive plan and event calendar to ensure the team is ready for official matches. Reflecting on the previous season, where preparations began early but led to a lack of energy towards the end, the coaching staff is now looking to refine the team’s preparation process. However, the absence of a definitive start date poses a challenge in this regard. But we continue our preparings for the season. Now I have to admit that I really like the enthusiasm with which newcomers work.
Are there any upcoming test matches scheduled besides Coventry Blaze?
We have received numerous offers from international clubs. The decision on accepting these invitations depends on the ability to field a competitive team, as we aim to avoid facing strong opponents with a limited roster. As of now, these invitations are pending until we can confirm a suitable lineup. If we can ensure an optimal squad for friendly matches, the geographical reach of our games would expand significantly. At present, our focus remains on preparing for the upcoming matches against Coventry Blaze.
You have already taken note of the contributions made by newcomers at the gathering. Are there plans to further strengthen the team?
Yes, we are in discussions with potential recruits. In order to strive for top positions, it is essential to seek high-quality reinforcements in the transfer market. Moreover, we are working on creating favorable conditions for hockey players to join us in Ukraine, despite the challenging circumstances. A group of young hockey players is also present at the training camp, showing determination in their training and eagerness to acquire new skills. It is our aspiration that in the future, the roster of the men’s team Kyiv Capitals will mainly comprise graduates from Kryzhynka Youth School.
