Ukraine’s Ice Hockey Captain: “If we play by the system, we can reach the elite without stars”

Photo: Ihor Merezhko’s personal archive

Ukrainian hockey is making a comeback to the “top tier.” For the first time in 19 years, our national team has achieved the improbable, breaking into the world elite. The players fought for their goal with sheer determination – without a proper domestic championship, training amidst the sound of air raid sirens, and without any global superstars in their roster. While the more publicized and prestigious national football team stumbled and failed to qualify for the World Cup, the hockey players simply went out and created a sensation, proving that discipline and character can overcome any budget. There was also an element of sporting luck: Lithuania’s victory over Poland opened the path for us to the elite of world hockey. But as they say, luck favors the brave.

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

“I hope the youngsters will strive for better results than ours”

– Before the World Championship, few believed that Ukraine could advance to 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. What led to such expectations?

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

– What shifted the team’s mindset during the tournament? Was there perhaps a specific factor that helped the team believe in themselves and ultimately reach the elite?

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

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

– That’s not the main thing for me… whether I’m captain or not… the main thing is to qualify for the 2027 World Championship! I’ve wanted to play against the world’s elite 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 best defenseman of the tournament. What does this achievement mean to you?

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

– What factors contributed to the national 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 be a stepping stone for the younger generation, and they will strive to achieve results even better than ours.

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

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

The Ukrainian 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 ones. 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 if the conditions are good or not. As a child, you just enjoy the game itself. But I can say that I was fortunate to meet some very good coaches along the way! Good conditions started when I joined the “Donbas” academy, for which I thank Borys Kolesnikov, who managed to create a truly competitive organization.

– What had the most significant impact on your development as a hockey player?

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

– What moment in your career do you consider the most challenging, 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 now.

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

– All leagues are different from each other. You can compare certain teams more easily. The national team aims to play modern, fast-paced hockey, but against experienced 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 superstitions?

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

– Would you share some?

– No. That’s my secret.

– What advice can you give to young guys who are just starting in hockey now, look up to your game with admiration, 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 satisfaction.

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

“I spend my free time with my child and give 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 fascinate me, but with the arrival of my child, there’s been less 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 shaped 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 leisure time?

– I spend my leisure time 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

Ihor MEREZHKO

Born: April 30, 1998, in Kharkiv.

Position: Defenseman.

Height: 193 cm.

Weight: 100 kg.

Career: He took his first steps in Kharkiv hockey schools, later moving 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 Kazakhstan (club “Saryarka”), Denmark (“Odense Bulldogs”), and Slovakia (“Spišská Nová Ves”). He spent the 2024/2025 season with the Czech club HC Plzeň.