ICE FIGHT REANIMATION

Ice hockey, a winter sport celebrated for its popularity, was initially played by northern Europeans. The inaugural formal game took place in 1855 in Kingston, Ontario, with teams composed of the Royal Canadian Riflemen. The first structured competition was organized in 1865 by a university student named Robertson, who later formulated the game's initial rules, stipulating nine players per team. However, in 1909, the National Hockey Organisation resolved to reduce the player count to six.

Basis for Development

Prior to independence, efforts to foster ice hockey in Azerbaijan were initiated but subsequently halted. The sport was introduced to Azerbaijan by the esteemed Soviet coach Anatoly Tarasov. Upon the Sports Committee of the Azerbaijan SSR's request, he dispatched Valery Laryukov, the future federation president, to Baku to establish a hockey school. That year witnessed the creation of the Republican Ice Hockey Federation and the inauguration of a hockey school at the Ice Palace (now the Heydar Aliyev Sports and Concert Complex), training approximately 200 children, laying the groundwork for the republic's hockey development.

Years later, the ice rink was dismantled, and the hall was reassigned to other sports disciplines. In 2023, the ice rink was reinstated at the Sports and Concert Complex, leading to the formation of an ice hockey team. Presently, boys across various age groups are engaged in training sessions here, with 18 hockey players participating, sparking considerable interest among the youth. The hockey federation's chief ambition is to cultivate the sport and encourage widespread participation.

Growing Interest

Zaur Mammadaliyev, the coach of the nascent ice hockey team, perceives a burgeoning interest in the sport within the nation. He remarked that ice hockey had previously existed in Azerbaijan: "A hockey team was in place in 1990, but it eventually dissolved. Our objective is to nurture this sport in Azerbaijan and attain commendable outcomes. We commenced with a mere 2-3 children, and now our ranks have swelled to over 20 hockey players."

Mammadaliyev acknowledges the time required to become competitive: "We anticipate being ready to partake in international tournaments in roughly five years. The evolution of a new sport cannot be expedited. The children necessitate training. Their enthusiasm for hockey is heartening."

With Great Desire

Head coach Alexander Blinov also discussed the newly assembled hockey team: "Our team's formation began some time ago. Within six months, we've achieved notable progress."

"At the outset, we had a single player, then two, three. Currently, our team comprises 17-20 players," he stated. "These are youngsters of diverse ages and skill levels. Yet, we are committed to training. Those who were initially unacquainted with ice skating are now practising with the main group. The paramount aspect is the immense desire and zeal they bring to each training session. They are jubilant, relishing the experience. They attend training as if it were a festive occasion."

Blinov also elaborated on the team's aspirations: "We've set lofty goals for ourselves. We aspire to compete in contests and tournaments. Our aim is to ascend to the international stage. To realize our ambitions, we ensure everything is executed with utmost quality and expediency. I believe we'll be able to articulate definitive achievements in the forthcoming five years."

Hockey players conduct their training at the Sports and Concert Complex. The rink is also accessible to amateurs during designated times.