September 13, 17:00, Jelgava, Ice Palace.
This Saturday, Oleg Tymchenko’s side will make their Optibet League debut. The Kyiv team has strengthened its roster with new Ukrainian players and several imports from Latvia, Estonia, and Poland. Their first official match promises to be a real test for the Capitals.
Our team will face last season’s league runners-up – Zemgale/LBTU. Artis Abols’ squad has made a strong start, winning both opening games. And the results were compelling: first, Jelgava’s team took revenge for their loss in the final by defeating Mogo/RSU 3:0, and then they left no chance for Estonian Panter, winning 7:1. Notably, both of these victories came on the road, which means that the clash with Kyiv Capitals will also be Zemgale’s first home game of the 2025/2026 season.
Among Zemgale’s statistical leaders are three forwards, each with three points to their name: Latvians Rihards Marenis and Richards Bernhards (both with 2+1), as well as Finnish forward Tomi Petteri Ansio (1+2).
Another intriguing subplot is that six former Zemgale/LBTU players are now part of the Kyiv Capitals roster. Moreover, Martins Karsums, Rustams Begovs, and Kristians Zelts were still playing for Jelgava just last season.
There’s no shortage of intrigue in this matchup, but we sincerely wish our team a successful start in what is truly a new chapter for them.
You can watch the game live in the player on our website.
