Preparing for the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championship
Ukraine’s national men’s ice hockey squad is putting the finishing touches on its preparations for the 2026 World Championship, set to take place in Division IA. Head coach Oleh Shafarenko shared insights into the team’s buildup, noting that the opening game will be against Poland on May 2, 2026. This marks Ukraine’s second consecutive year in this division. Last season, the team came within one step of promotion but missed the chance to move up to the elite division after a loss to Japan.
Challenges and Key Opponents
Shafarenko explained that the training schedule had to be adjusted due to several factors. A major issue was that many players finished their club seasons early, while others were unable to play through the playoffs.
“During the first training cycle, we had to get everyone back in shape. By the second cycle, the guys looked like themselves again and fully engaged in the work,”the coach said. He also emphasized that Poland and other teams Ukraine will face have had high-quality warm-up matches.
Regarding the tournament opponents, Shafarenko highlighted that the first game against Poland will be the toughest.
“That match will set the tone: either you win and compete for medals, or you lose and fight for survival,”he stated. Ukraine’s main rivals at the championship will be:
- Kazakhstan
- France
These two teams are top-tier, with strong hockey traditions. According to the coach, the team’s goal for the World Championship is to secure medals.
“The objective is to win medals. And, of course, we will fight for the highest positions,”Shafarenko stressed. The Ukrainian squad hopes to perform well and improve on last year’s results.
Proper preparation for the World Championship is critical for Ukraine, especially given last year’s near-miss on promotion. With changes to the training format and the absence of some players, Coach Shafarenko aims to refine team strategies to succeed on the international stage. As the coach sees it, the opening match against Poland will determine the course of the tournament for the Ukrainian team.
As Ukraine's national team gears up for the World Championship, it's worth noting the recent success of the U18 hockey squad, which kicked off their tournament with a commendable victory over Slovenia. This performance highlights the promising talent within Ukrainian hockey, setting a hopeful tone for the senior team as they aim for medal contention in the upcoming championship.