One of the newcomers to the Carpathian Junior Hockey League in category U16 is the team Kryžynka Kyjev. The coach of the team from the Ukrainian metropolis is Mr. Igor Arkhypenko. We had a brief chat with him before the start of the coming season ...

How do you remember your hockey beginnings? Who got you started in hockey and where did you take your first steps in hockey?

My father got me into hockey when I was 6 years old. I took my first steps in hockey on the ice of the Kiev hockey school "SOKOL KIEV”. By coincidence, however, I transferred to another school in Kiev, which was the DJUSŠ secondary school "Kryžynka", where I continued in my hockey growth.

How did your hockey career develop? What do you consider as the greatest success in your playing career?

I gradually passed through all the age categories at the mentioned hockey school. I left "Kryžynka" and went to the senior team HC "Irbis" Kiev, with which I finished in 2nd place in the Ukrainian championships. Thanks to this place we then had the opportunity to play in the European Continental Cup.

When did you begin with coaching? Did you plan to become a trainer during your active playing career? Where have you worked as a coach?

Even during my active playing career, I knew that I wanted to remain in hockey as a coach. I graduated from university in Kiev. At the department of "Sporting Games" I successfully managed the "Hockey coach" course. I’ve devoted myself to coaching since 2001. First, I worked as a coach of the children and youth teams at Kryžynka. Later I was the coach for the A-team of HC Kremenchuk in the highest Ukrainian league. I was also the head coach of the Ukrainian national team for up to 18-year-olds.

Do you have a coach-idol? What style of hockey do you prefer as a coach?

It can’t be said that I have a specific coaching model. I try to follow the work of the best coaches from around the world. I can learn something from each one of them. I try to lead my kids to an active offense-focused style of play.

And the best moment of your coaching career so far?

I think that in my career thus far this is a 3rd place with the U18 Ukrainian team at the World Championships in group B1. I believe, however, that some other successes still await me as a coach.

What would you like to achieve as a coach? Do you have any dreams for your coaching career?

Obviously, like perhaps everyone else, I have my dreams, too. But for now, I would rather keep them to myself :)

What goals do you have upon entering the Carpathian Junior Hockey League?

Our only goal is victories! For this the players on the ice must give their maximum. A different approach makes no sense in my opinion.

Do you think that such an international competition can help young players in their hockey-related growth?

Certainly yes! 100-percent. That’s why we entered the league. So that our players have the opportunity of regular international confrontation, which will certainly help them move forward.

SHORT QUESTIONAIRE

The best player ever: Valeriy Kharlamov
The best active player: Sidney Crosby / Jevgenij Malkin
Your most favourite hockey team: Montreal Canadiens
Your most favourite sport (exc. hockey): Soccer
Your most favourite sportsman: Michael Phelps