Shakhraichuk: The student team of Ukraine was competitive and played satisfactorily at the Universiade

Head coach of the Ukrainian student ice hockey team (U-25) Vadim Shakhraychuk commented on the performance of the team Universiade-2023.

“If we analyze our performance and take into account older opponents than were in our squad, I think that the student team of Ukraine was competitive and played satisfactorily at the Universiade.”

“A tour of Canada and then performances at the Universiade were considered by the coaching staff as a stage in the preparation of the national team for the World Cup in April. Hockey players had a good opportunity to show themselves on the ice, but not everyone succeeded … Someone arrived weak and sick, someone had not switched from junior hockey yet.

“In general, Gleb Krivoshapkin succeeded in a good tournament, but we have high demands on him, because he knows how and can play stronger. Our captain Vadim Mazur played consistently and is gradually turning into a leader, having done a lot of useful work on the ice. Yaroslav Panchenko confidently played the Universiade, who, after being transferred to the top five, added more aggression and power to the line. I think Panchenko can take performances in the USA to his credit. Just like defenders Yevgeny Ratushny and Andrey Grigoriev, although mistakes did occur. It was not easy for newcomer Artem Mateichenko to fit into the game, but he managed to add creativity through an attraction to creativity.”

“Unfortunately, there are those in our group who could not prove themselves during this long trip, so they cut off their path to the national team for the next season or two: this applies not only to the game, but also to the attitude to work, the athlete’s readiness for responsible games for the country’s top team.

Recall that Ukraine beat the Czech Republic and entered the top 6 best hockey teams of the Universiade-2023.