Ukrainian hockey in Latvia – with a vision of the future and the shadow of war
The newly formed Ukrainian hockey club “Capital” from Kiev will join the strongest league in the Baltics next season – the Latvian Optibet Hockey League Championship. Club manager Anastasia Zimina reveals in an interview why Latvia was chosen, what makes this project special and what future they want to build in war-torn Ukrainian sports. “Capital” sees itself as a bridge for Ukrainian hockey to Europe – with the support of Latvian fans and its place among the strongest.
The newly formed Ukrainian hockey club “Capital” from Kiev will join the strongest league in the Baltics next season – the Latvian Optibet Hockey League Championship. Club manager Anastasia Zimina reveals in an interview why Latvia was chosen, what makes this project special and what future they want to build in war-torn Ukrainian sports. “Capital” sees itself as a bridge for Ukrainian hockey to Europe – with the support of Latvian fans and its place among the strongest.
- What is the current status of the Kiev “Capital” team? Will you play in the Latvian Championship next season?
- Yes, in the 2025/2025 season we plan to play in the Baltic Championship, the Optibet League.
- Can you introduce your team to Latvian hockey fans? Why did you decide to cross the Ukrainian border and join the Optibet Hockey League?
- We call it the Ukrainian-European project. Since the very beginning of the club, we have emphasized that Ukrainian hockey is part of European hockey, we belong to the European hockey family and we must continue to develop in this direction. First of all, for us it means gaining experience and competing at this level - it is no secret that Latvia is a bigger country than Ukraine in terms of hockey development, so we want to learn and ensure that our hockey players gain experience playing abroad. At the same time, we want to keep our team as “Ukrainian” as possible, that is, we will have Ukrainian coaches, most of the players will most likely be Ukrainian. We also want to attract those Ukrainian talents who are currently playing abroad. We see this project as a mecca for Ukrainian players in Latvia, where they can develop, spend time together, possibly moving up to the national team level.
Our club is new, founded in 2023. It was the idea and initiative of my father, Yevgeny Zimin - to give something to his country, paying special attention to the fact that hockey would not decline during the war. Historically, our hockey has declined several times and, hopefully, this will not happen now.
- A little about the practical side. Can you reveal where the team will train, who will be the coach?
I can’t tell you the names of the coaches yet, it’s a bit too early. Regarding the training grounds - this is the reason why we are in Latvia - we are looking at the ice rinks, for now the best option would be the “Inbox.lv” ice rink. Hopefully, it could become our home next season.
- What do you know about Latvia and our hockey?
- I know that a lot of Latvians play at a high level, in good hockey leagues, including the NHL. This is the level we aspire to and want to experience. I will take this opportunity to thank you that Latvia and all three Baltic states are our best allies and friends in matters related to the geopolitical situation, thank you for that.
- What do you want to achieve in the future? What is the vision of your club?
We have a ten-year plan, which includes the goal of building our own home, a hockey arena. We also have both women's, men's and children's teams, we want to establish our own hockey school. Our goal is to develop players and expect that at least a couple will play in the NHL. We will educate, invest and want to win.
- This spring, Ukraine was a hair's breadth away from entering the elite division. How do you currently assess the level of Ukrainian hockey, the stage of development?
- Our hockey is at the survival level. We still have a championship, our teams are playing, we still have talented players and fans who come to the games to support them. I would like to say that we are in a stage of development and growth, but unfortunately, that is not the case. You cannot compare hockey now and in peacetime.
- What would you like to wish to Ukrainian and Latvian hockey fans who will sympathize with you in the new season?
I know that there are about 20,000 Ukrainians in Riga. We invite them all and will wait for the games. Of course, we will be glad to see Latvians and every hockey fan, we would like to see a full arena at our games!
We are currently facing various problems and solving issues to implement this project. We are grateful for the support and hospitality of Latvians. We really hope for the support of Latvian fans, because Latvian players will also play in our team!
