Development of children’s and junior hockey is to become a priority for the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation over the next four years, according to its new Head, Igor Rachkovsky

By Igor Leshin

Development of children’s and junior hockey is to become a priority for the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation over the next four years, according to its new Head, Igor Rachkovsky

He tells us, “The first and perhaps the main task for the next four years is to develop children’s hockey, supporting more of our country’s sporting schools in this direction and improving infrastructure of facilities, to train our future players. Without this, it’s impossible to speak about developing our teams.”

Moreover, Mr. Rachkovsky said that the national team’s potential to reach the 2018 Olympic Games isn’t even being discussed as yet and reminded everyone that a state programme to develop ice hockey in Belarus for the next four years is yet to be developed, focusing on improving hockey infrastructure nationwide. The Head of the Belarusian Ice Hockey Federation emphasises that increasing the level of the national championship is also a priority, including increasing its attractiveness to spectators.