Ukraine’s Hockey Captain: Playing Systematically Can Lead to the Elite Without Stars

Photo: Igor Merezhko’s personal archive

Ukrainian hockey is making a comeback to the “big league.” For the first time in 19 years, our national team has achieved the seemingly impossible, breaking into the world’s elite. The players fought tooth and nail for their goal – without a proper domestic championship, training amidst air raid sirens, and lacking any superstar players. While the more publicized and prestigious national football team faltered and failed to qualify for the World Cup, the hockey players simply stepped up and created a sensation, proving that discipline and character can overcome any budget. A bit of luck was also involved: Lithuania’s victory over Poland paved the way for our team into the elite of world hockey. However, as they say, fortune favors the brave.

Journalist of Korotko pro spoke with Igor Merezhko, the captain of the national team and the best defenseman of the World Championship in Division 1A, about how this historic “ice miracle” was forged and why this victory became personal for every player.

I Hope the Youngsters Will Strive for Better Results Than Ours

– Before the World Championship, few believed that Ukraine could make it into the elite division (Division A) by the end of the tournament. Even you yourself mentioned that the main goal was to stay in Division 1A. Why this outlook?

– Because our group was very evenly matched. As I said, any team could beat any other, and that’s ultimately what happened.

– What changed the team’s morale during the tournament? Was there a particular factor that helped the team believe in themselves and ultimately reach the elite division?

– Nothing really changed. After losing to Poland, we understood that we needed to do everything within our power, and then hope for luck. That’s exactly how it played out.

– As captain, you are leading the team into the elite division after a 19-year absence for the Ukrainian national team. What does this achievement mean to you personally?

– Being captain or not isn’t the main thing for me… the main thing is to play in the 2027 World Championship! I’ve wanted to play against the world’s elite hockey players for a very long time – that was my goal. And it happened… Isn’t that happiness?

– Your contribution to the overall team success was recognized with the title of the tournament’s best defenseman. What does this achievement mean to you?

– I was in good physical and emotional shape. It helped immensely that my wife and child could be there with me; nothing would have been possible without them.

– What factors contributed to the team achieving this historic milestone? And what does this event signify for Ukrainian hockey?

– We played well according to the system the coaches asked us to execute. Luck was also on our side. I hope this event will serve as a springboard for the younger generation, and they will strive to achieve even greater results than ours.

– Ukraine’s opponents in the elite division will be determined from May 15th to 31st, but in your opinion, what are the team’s chances there? We’ll face “monsters” like Canada, the USA, Sweden, and Finland… What do you expect from yourself and the team there now?

– Right now, I’m only thinking about my vacation. We’ll talk about the opponents next season.

Ukraine’s national team will now be represented in the elite world division. Photo: FB Hockey Federation of Ukraine

Defense Wins Games

– A few questions not about the team, but personal. How did your journey into hockey begin? Why did you choose this sport as a child?

– My dad took me to hockey when I was 3 years old. That’s how my love for hockey started.

– What were the training conditions, infrastructure, and opportunities like back then?

– As a child, you don’t really understand whether the conditions are good or bad. As a child, you just enjoy the game itself. But I can say that I was fortunate to meet very good coaches along my path! The good conditions started when I joined the “Donbas” academy, for which I thank Borys Kolesnikov, who managed to create a truly competitive organization.

– What influenced your development as a hockey player the most?

– I can say now that it was in Canada, when I saw how people prepared themselves for the season and during it.

– What do you consider the most challenging moment in your career, and why?

– The most difficult moment was when I moved to Canada. I wasn’t physically ready for the league I joined. And I had to deliver results, right here and right now.

– As a player, you’ve played in many leagues and teams. How does hockey differ across various countries? And what is Ukrainian hockey most similar to?

– All leagues are different from each other. You can compare some teams. The national team aims to play modern, fast hockey, but against experienced national teams, we need to strengthen our defense, because defense wins games.

– Are you a pragmatic and calm player on the ice, or more emotional?

– It all depends on the situation (smiles – author).

– What helps you cope with setbacks on the ice?

– After a mistake, you shouldn’t dwell on it. You need to make a couple of small successful plays afterward to mentally get back into the game.

– Do hockey players have any superstitions?

– I think many hockey players have their own superstitions. But that’s normal, in my opinion. I have many myself.

– Will you share them?

– No. That’s my secret.

– What advice can you give to the young players who are just starting in hockey now, admire your game, and dream of following the same path?

– Keep dreaming and enjoy the journey towards your goal. If you’re not enjoying it, find something that brings you joy.

Igor Merezhko was recognized as the best defenseman of the last championship in Division 1A. Photo: Igor Merezhko’s personal archive

I Spend My Free Time with My Child, Giving My Wife Time for Herself

– What are you like off the ice?

– In a word – a family man.

– What truly fascinates you in life, besides sports?

– Video games used to, but since my child was born, I haven’t had much time for such things.

– What would you be doing in life if you hadn’t become a hockey player?

– I think I would have been a doctor.

– What character traits has hockey specifically instilled in you?

– Hockey has given me all my character traits, but one of the most important things I would highlight is the ability to find common ground with people.

– How do you like to spend your time off?

– I spend my time off with my child. I give my wife time for herself because during the season, she understands that sometimes I need time to recover after tough games or training camps.

– What are your dreams?

– I dream that my family will always be happy and healthy, and everything else will follow.

Personal File

Igor MEREZHKO

Born: April 30, 1998, in Kharkiv.

Position: Defenseman.

Height: 193 cm.

Weight: 100 kg.

Career: Took his first steps in Kharkiv hockey schools, later moved to the academy of HC Donbas. At 17, he moved to Canada, where he played for four seasons in one of the world’s strongest junior leagues (WHL) for the Lethbridge Hurricanes. He played in the championships of Denmark (Odense Bulldogs) and Slovakia (Spišská Nová Ves). He spent the 2024/2025 season with the Czech club HC Plzeň.