Admiral Hockey Club sums up the season at the National Centre RUSSIA in Primorye
A press conference was held at the National Centre RUSSIA in Primorye with the participation of Admiral HC General Manager Viktor Gordiyuk and Head Coach Oleg Bratash. They summarised the club’s performance in the Kontinental Hockey League season and outlined plans for building the squad for the coming year.
"The main goal for next season is to reach the top eight, bring our fans back and show strong, entertaining, competitive hockey. We are facing a major rebuild. We are looking for young players who are 'hungry' for victory, ready to give their all in every match and fight from start to finish. We will definitely give our Primorye youth a chance — we will invite 5–6 players from 'Taifun' and 3–4 players from the local system to the summer training camp with the main team. They will get their opportunity at camp, and after that everything will depend on them," said Viktor Gordiyuk.
It has been officially confirmed that Oleg Bratash, who has a valid contract, will remain head coach next season. An assessment of his assistants and decisions regarding their future within the coaching staff will be made later.
At present, 11 players have valid contracts for the next season, including defenceman Libor Sulak and forwards Pavel Shen, Nikita Soshnikov and Ivan Muranov. An agreement has also been reached to sign defenceman Mario Grman — the club will announce this officially once all procedures are completed. Active negotiations are underway with goaltender Ivan Kulbakov. High expectations are placed on forward Yegor Chezganov, whose contract covers the next two seasons: according to the club’s management, if he maintains his current form, he will be able to perform at least at the level of Daniil Gutik.
The general manager also stressed that the team needs reinforcement in all positions. Final decisions on the roster will be made by the club’s management, but there is one clear requirement: under KHL regulations, the squad must include two young players.
"I have long understood what kind of hockey I want from the team, and by the end of the season the players themselves began to understand our requirements. As a result, the results improved. Speaking of strong, well-rounded matches where the team looked most convincing, I would highlight our wins over 'Avtomobilist', 'Salavat Yulaev' and Moscow 'Dynamo'. This is the kind of game we want to see going forward," said Oleg Bratash.
Admiral will begin preparations for the new season on 16 July with training camps for players on try-out and two-way contracts. On 1 August, the full squad will travel to Minsk for the main training camp.
In addition to sporting objectives, the club will continue its tradition of engaging with residents of the region. Before the official end of the season on 5 April, players will regularly take part in events for children.
"We do not forget about our young fans. On Saturdays, we have planned trips across the region, visits to sports schools, masterclasses and joint training sessions. Children are absolutely thrilled when, for example, 12-year-olds take to the ice against a big player like Sulak. It is something they remember for the rest of their lives," added Viktor Gordiyuk.
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The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, on 26 March launched the construction of a new building for the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow.
A new building of the National Centre RUSSIA will open in 2029 near Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment in Moscow.
