Today St. Petersburg will host grand closing third VHL season... On the eve of the league's managing director in an interview with "SE" shared his impressions of last championship and immediate plans.

The league is progressing

Has the season turned out to be great, German Viktorovich?

It cannot be said that we have fulfilled everything that was planned, that we absolutely avoided any shortcomings, but on the whole the season was a success, this cannot be denied. In general, over three years, the league has made significant progress in many areas, and is developing at a rapid pace.

And the quintessence of the ended season was final episode of seven matches. It turned out to be as valid, as uncompromising, intriguing and very informative.

I must say that we did not lose with the clubs that were admitted to the league last year. Their results speak for themselves. Two teams, as they say, "from the wheels" generally exceeded expectations. The Karaganda team became the winners of the regular championship and took part in the final of the "Bratina" competition, and the Voronezh team won silver medals.

In general, a not entirely successful autumn for potential favorites and a daring spurt of newcomers from the start gave the tournament the necessary impetus. Yes, a lot fell into place by the finish line, but there were also some surprises. A modest representative from Volzhsk, for example, knocked out Orsk and ambitious Tyumen from the cup race. Voronezh “Buran” stood in the way of “Lokomotiv” and defeated “Sputnik”. And "Saryarka" interrupted its crazy flight to a dream: the Kazakhstani club did not have enough to get the trophy, which was kept by the current owner.

The repeated success of "Toros" is not accidental. At the beginning of the season, the team underwent significant changes, and it seemed unlikely to hold on to the conquered positions. But those who thought so were wrong. The hockey development system built over decades in Bashkortostan has proven its effectiveness. Thanks to the skilful work of the Neftekamsk leadership and the coaching skills of Ruslan Suleimanov, we saw a new scattering of talented youth who, I am sure, will be in demand in the KHL market this summer. And the fact that in our "workshops" they began to produce a quality product is one of the main achievements of the league.

What pleased besides sporting achievements?

We have made great progress in streaming matches. The games of the past season were shown on the Internet in full. Now, in any corner of the planet, you can witness the confrontation between the VHL teams. This is a great achievement, we are the only one sports organization on the territory of the post-Soviet space, which organized live broadcasts of all games of the championship. The implementation of this project demonstrated the unity of our teams in marketing, their desire to make the league brighter and more attractive.

In general, many thanks to the clubs, which at first were skeptical about our idea - the costs are not small - and now they thank us for insisting, and in the end everything worked out for everyone, and everyone is happy.

Now we have reached the point where we can sell broadcasts. In such a way that the clubs make money on them. The league has found a company that is ready to buy this or that broadcast. Based on the quality of the "picture" and other factors, she finds the matches she needs and pays for the opportunity to broadcast to the club that organizes it. Accordingly, the cost of good video equipment can be recouped in this way. And the leaders of the club, which failed to interest the buyer, begin to think: "Why are we worse?" And they are trying to catch up with colleagues who have pulled ahead. This stimulates many, makes them work on the quality of the broadcast - after all, the invested funds will return later. What affects the general level.

We will not copy the KHL

What else should league clubs aim for?

They must not only want, but also learn to earn. The league's policy is to ensure that the revenues of the clubs grow. Every year, attention to VHL increases, which allows it to become interesting for investors. This season, for the first time, we have a general partner - the URAL charitable foundation, which is headed by the first president of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Murtaza Rakhimov. Other sponsors and partners come to us, the number of which, I hope, will only increase. Serious businessmen began to take an interest in hockey and began to understand that it would be possible to earn money on this in the future. This interest should be nurtured.

The season before last, among other things, was remembered by "Russian Classics", last year it was planned to hold a VHL match on the deck of an aircraft carrier ...

This game is our dream. And dreams, like goals, should be great, on the verge of touch. The implementation of this project is a long-term perspective. Now it would be more correct to speak about the nearest perspective.

The circle of our urgent tasks still includes the annual organization of "Russian Classics" - an open-air match of the VHL regular championship. But here is what should be considered. The league itself will not hold such a large-scale event, the interest of this or that region is needed. And it is not difficult to mount a hockey box on a football field.

We also strive to "cut through" a window to Europe, to hold a series of exhibition meetings with teams from the Old World. We also wanted to hold them with rivals from overseas, met with the leaders of the AHL, discussed such a possibility, but the lockout in the NHL prevented them. However, we are not abandoning this idea.

There are also ideas for the All-Star Game. We are not going to copy the KHL, because the stars of the senior colleague are brighter, therefore the traditional format suits him, but we do not. I don't want to be in the shadow of the KHL All-Star Game.

We are working on other options. For example, this. Our partners, sponsors who are by and large they also compete, take turns recruiting players - and the result is a duel between the teams acting under the names of these sponsors. Or "SPORT-EXPRESS" will become one of the contenders in the all-star match - and you yourself will choose the hockey players you need.

- The success of the league proves the fact of interest in it from the regions and other countries. Soon there will be no room in it for those who wish, and the question of restructuring the system of holding the championship will arise.

In the VHL, the clubs have the final say, and it is up to them to decide how many teams and according to what rules to play. Our task is to monitor the implementation of the hockey constitution - the regulations of the championship, as well as to improve the level of organization of the tournament. Nevertheless, we are well aware that more than thirty guests under the roof of our house are unlikely to fit. But in this situation, I assure you, we will definitely not act according to the principle "who is stronger is right." Therefore, you will have to part with those who do not keep their word and do not fulfill their obligations.

As for the structure of the championship, in my opinion, this season it was optimal. The clubs are in solidarity with this.

"Youth" did not act in a sporty way

He does not keep his word and does not fulfill his obligations - are you talking about teams that will not acquire new ice arenas in any way?

You know, we have been dealing with this issue since the creation of the VHL. But the inheritance we got, to put it mildly, old. It is unrealistic to immediately demand from all new palaces, such as those in Penza or Krasnoyarsk. We have written in the regulations that starting from 2015 the requirements for arenas will be toughened. But the minimum capacity of 5.5 thousand people is all conditional. Why, for example, does the same "Toros" need such a large palace, if there are just over 100 thousand inhabitants in Neftekamsk? So there is an individual approach to each club, each city. To ask harshly and eventually kick out teams that do not fully follow the rules means losing hockey in these regions.

Nevertheless, we are not standing still on this issue. In the near future, we will conduct monitoring, although we are constantly engaged in it, then we will offer the clubs to improve their infrastructure, and set real deadlines for them. We will identify clubs that do not improve infrastructure, do not modernize arenas, but pay attention only to the team. You can not do it this way! Someone besides the team spends on infrastructure, provision of high-quality TV broadcasts, in general, is engaged in the development of hockey in the region, and someone just assembled a team, went to the championship and wins. Everyone should be on an equal footing, and everyone should have solid palaces. I have no doubt that we will come to this.

Answering the previous question, I had something else in mind. The opening of the past season with a minus sign was Yunost-Minsk. Last year, at the last moment, having jumped into the car of the departing train - having entered the league, the team at the end of the regular season did not act in a sporting manner. The main team began to play in the championship of Belarus, and young people played in the VHL. This is just disrespect for the tournament participants. From someone, it turns out, "Youth" took away the glasses, and presented to someone.

The Belarusian club will not take part in our championship next season. For certain reasons, he decided to leave the VHL Lokomotiv. There are two teams in Yaroslavl - in the KHL and the MHL. The managers considered it inappropriate to have a third. This is with regard to losses. And if we talk about replenishment, then at the next general meeting we will consider the issue of participation in the next championship of HC "Lipetsk".

There are no teams from Moscow in the VHL. Don't you think that this is detrimental to the well-being of the league, since its activities do not affect the interests of the metropolis?

We have a different mission - to develop hockey in the regions. For the capital, spoiled by a large selection of sports and entertainment events, three KHL clubs are more than enough. Our eyes are directed towards the Moscow region: Balashikha, Klin - these are our territories, areas of close attention. Although, if Wings of the Soviets appear in the championship participants, I will only be glad. We do our best to facilitate the early return to big hockey a renowned team capable of becoming business card any tournament.

Our system is correct

Recently hockey Russia discussed the transfer of Traktor striker Valery Nichushkin to Dynamo. Chelyabinsk fans were indignant. Can VHL avoid such controversial situations?

And what, in fact, is the dispute? "Traktor" received a lucrative offer, to which he agreed. On the contrary, I am glad that the VHL natives Nichushkin and Karpov deserve so much attention to their persons. If the players managed to significantly increase their value in a year, it means that the VHL worked with them correctly.

Another thing is that money should not be the determining factor in choosing club preferences and the league should strive to create a level playing field for everyone. To prevent teams from appearing that want to achieve everything at once and without progressive movement towards the goal, they "blow up" the transfer market. VHL clubs should rely on pupils of their own school, and not spend money on high-profile acquisitions. Moreover, we have enough teams with a rich history, their own hockey style, which has been formed for more than one decade.

Nevertheless best players The VHL, which shape the league's signature, eventually end up in the KHL ...

This is logical, natural and logical. If natives of the VHL are in demand among teams from the top championships, then we are moving to the right direction, and the system of training a professional hockey player in Russia is built correctly and works effectively. I am glad when players from the VHL not only get promoted, but also play for more high level prominent roles. Sopin and Shibaev, Nichushkin and Karpov, Dugin and Yezhov. The list goes on. The only thing I would like to change in our relationship with the KHL is to achieve equality in the junior draft. I am convinced that VHL clubs should have the right to at least protect their young pupils.

What are your expectations for next season?

Former President of the International Olympic Committee Juan Antonio Samaranch at the closing of each of the Olympics said that she was the best in history. And he was right - the organizers of the Games constantly amazed us, fascinated, surprised us with something. The Major Hockey League also strives to surprise, break stereotypes, and act inventively and brightly.

And the next season will be unique. Promise.

Roman Chernyavsky
Today is another bad day in Russian hockey... Today the raider seizure of the Supreme hockey league officially became a fact. Don't think that it comes about some kind of struggle of systems or views on the development of hockey. The reason - like any such phenomenon in any other area of ​​life - is money. Someone just needed a little more contributions from the clubs that made up the VHL budget. But this post is about something else. I worked with the VHL team for several years, from the very first "Russian Classics" in Krasnoyarsk. And the most important conclusion that I made is that German Skoropupov managed to gather hard workers in his team. The guys who do, do not speak.

Any work is determined by the result. If hockey players have these medals, then any league has the most main result are the fans. During the six seasons of HSE - and what do you remember about HSE until 2010 - the attendance has grown. We, journalists, generally underestimate and do not understand the importance of hockey in the regions. What do you know about how they go to hockey in Orsk or Angarsk, or even in Tver, which is close to Moscow? I worked in hockey journalism for 6 years and didn't know a damn about it until I drove around the cities where the VHL clubs play. Yes, simple, but unprepossessing, but without polish, but provincial. But all this is real. If Rostov manages to sell all tickets to the stadium, and the central sectors cost from 800 rubles for the match with Smolensk Slavutich, then why 1000 people go to the match between Vityaz and Afinogenov in Podolsk. Can you imagine the difference between Maxim Afinogenov and some Vasily Myakinin from VHL-B. A whole stadium goes to Myakinin, and 1000 people go to Afinogenov. Hockey in Russia - it is in the regions - and not on the glossy picture from Match TV or the red cover of the booklet with the Red Car.

A separate story in the VHL for me is "Russian Classics". This is generally the best thing that was in Russian hockey for last years... This is the level of organization of the event, to which Dmitry Chernyshenko with all his managerial "talent" is never dear. For whatever the team of the president of the KHL undertakes is not very successful. And more often it doesn't work at all, as it was with the matches in China. "Russian Classics" is also an experience of making money with minimal investment. The last Russian classic in the VHL went to zero. Have you tried making money from a Major Hockey League match? This is very difficult. And the next one, I'm sure, would have brought VHL profit. But it won't. If you think that someone in the FHR will conduct Russian classics, you shouldn't think so.
In general, any organization is people. And the tower with people was lucky. Starting from the managing director and ending with the driver. It was a great time in my life when you work with professionals. With real, and not fantasizing about themselves, who knows what. In my hockey life, this probably won't happen for a long time. Many thanks to them - to German Skoropupov, Nikolai Karpovich, Sergey Mozhaev and everyone else. Just for the opportunity to get pleasure from work. Do something good and useful and enjoy it. And thanks for the fact that these people appeared in my life. They are cool.

And the last thing. About dignity. You know, when you are robbed of what you invested time, money and soul into, it is almost always a matter of choice. I know that the guys from the VHL and German Viktorovich had this choice - to fight for themselves and their team, or to stay. With fewer opportunities, I would even say with greater impossibilities - with the inability to do their job the way they think is right. They made their choice - a very difficult choice, you know. And this is another reason to be proud that I know such people. There are not so many people left who prefer their own dignity and their own principles to warm and cozy places. It is not customary for us now. And I will be proud of them.

VHL Managing Director's visit to MinskHerman SKOROPUPOVA - an event that in itself deserves journalistic attention. If only because the year-long stay in this league of Minsk “Youth” in the 2012/13 season left a feeling of understatement, the continuation of cooperation is still sinful of uncertainty.

And if you remember that at one time German Viktorovich was directly related to Belarusian hockey, heading the administrative headquarters of “Dynamo”, the conversation promised to become even more interesting. Therefore, starting the conversation with the purpose of the guest's visit to Minsk, later we talked about many things.

- It's been a long time since I met you in our area. From here logical question: what are the destinies?
- On the eve of the World Cup, it was a sin not to get acquainted with new arena... I only saw how it was built. And after the matches began to be held at “Chizhovka”, the land began to be full of rumors, and more and more in enthusiastic tones. Therefore, I arrived in Minsk to see everything with my own eyes. I would like to learn something useful so that I can then pass it on to the heads of the VHL clubs, to the governors.
What can I say: every club in the league can envy such a facility. And not only the VHL, but also some - the KHL. If we assume that hockey should be a business, then modern arenas are an integral part of it. As you know, any product requires an appropriate wrapper in order to be in demand with the buyer. In our case, a fan.
There is another purpose of the visit - to clarify the prospects for Yunost's participation in our project.

Delight following a visit to the Chizhovka Arena in recent times really a lot. But perhaps your eyes have noticed some flaws?
- There is no such thing without them. The question is how they are treated, perceived and, ultimately, what they do to eliminate them, if possible. Although here I would not speak so much about the shortcomings as about some rough edges. You walked with us through the arena, you saw what was being paid attention to. For example, the VIP boxes do not have a separate entrance - everyone has a common corridor.
True, the audience will be the main examiners of the arena. In the end, they are the main guests who rate how much they enjoy watching hockey here, listening to a concert or attending some other event, and whether they want to come back here at all. No public praise and reports of responsible persons will be more objective than this assessment. But I can't help but note that I really liked the locker rooms of the complex. They seem to have no downsides - only pluses that should be adopted by others. Everything is functional and taken into account right up to the door.

- In the sense of "to the door"?
- And this is a problem of many stadiums: the doors are often located so and have such openings that it is very problematic for a goalkeeper in ammunition to squeeze through them. And on “Chizhovka” from the hockey point of view, everything is fine: teams and referees are separated, the entrance is separate, there are enough premises of various profiles. This is very rare. And it is a pity that so far this is more the exception than the rule. If Yunost resumes its performance in the VHL in such an arena, a world-class facility will appear in the league. Only Lokomotiv had such a palace. After all the well-known tragic events, Yaroslavl residents joined our league, and this gave a powerful impetus to its development. Already because, arriving in Yaroslavl, other clubs saw how to organize the business. They had a kind of visual aid.

You mentioned that another purpose of the visit is to clarify the issue of the prospects for the return of the Belarusian club to the VHL ...
- To begin with, it is worth emphasizing that, legally, “Yunost” did not leave the league. The club is still a member, takes part in joint meetings, meetings and other official and unofficial events. In general, he continues to be a part of our family, only without performing in the current championship.
But I did not come now with a demand to give an immediate answer to the question “yes or no”. Everyone understands that today all the forces of Belarus are aimed primarily at holding the World Championship in Minsk at a decent level, and only after it can there be any certainty. Nevertheless, at least sketches can be made now. What - I find it difficult to say so far. But it is worth probing the issue on the spot.

Try to forget for a few minutes that you are the managing director of the VHL and talk like a person to whom Belarusian hockey is still no stranger. Does Belarus need this project?
- It's not an easy question. I need not only to forget that I work in Moscow, but also to imagine myself in the chair, for example, of the chairman of the ice hockey federation or the minister of sports of Belarus. Be aware of things in Belarusian hockey... Still, during my work in Minsk “Dynamo” conditions were somewhat different than today.
I am convinced that you deserve more, but you need to clearly define what you want. Belarus is not Ukraine or Kazakhstan, there is more hockey here. I am talking about the created infrastructure, and, in the end, about the fact that the first person of the state is fond of our sport. I am sure that he is no less than all the fans, it is a shame when a team loses in the KHL. But how can she not lose? ..
Therefore, you need to understand why Dynamo is participating in an international project. But, if it continues to perform, I think it is necessary to have a VHLovskiy “farm”. At least so that there is not a big gap between the “bison” and the rest of the Belarusian teams. Our league is trying to act as a bridge. It is clear that the level of its performers is generally lower than KHLovsky. But enough to keep the “senior” league hockey players from relaxing. Our players constantly breathe in their backs and often perform well in the league at a higher rank. Only talents like Kuznetsov make their way directly from the MHL to the KHL, but they get to the NHL quickly. It is very useful for the rest of their peers to play in the VHL in adult hockey.
Although Belarusians have another way: membership in international leagues is terminated, everything is closed in the national championship. But within such a system, everything is built very correctly and competently from the groups. initial training before best clubs extraleague and national team. Which path to choose is up to you. If you remember, at one time I was an opponent of Dynamo's campaign in the KHL. I thought it was extremely unwise to go unprepared. Yes, and the team did not have clear goals and a unified position regarding the recruitment of the roster - continuous shyness and uncertainty in priorities. In short, in 2008 the Belarusians were not ready to go to the KHL.

- It seems that after a lapse of five years or so, it is still not quite.
- Let it be determined by the specialists who are now working here. Yes, there is certainly a benefit from competing with strong clubs. And I know they are happy to come to your very hockey country. However, you want not only fashion, but also sports advantages, right? For the national team to perform much better on the world stage than in recent years. I repeat, in my deep conviction, Belarus deserves this. And there is everything for this.

A little over a year ago, I remember, you failed the idea put forward by the hockey federation to integrate the Belarusian extraleague into the VHL in some form. Why?
- From a sports point of view, it might be interesting. But, apart from it, there is also an organizational one. It is practically impossible even legally to integrate the Belarusian championship into the Russian championship. I think you remember that the VHL championship is also an all-Russian competition.

- Of course. And the KHL - open championship Russia.
- True, but after all, whole national championships are not integrated into it - only individual clubs. These are completely different formats. If we have a completely independent commercial league, that's another matter.

As far as I know, before the end of the transfer period last season, not only in Belarus, but also in Russia, the staff plasticity of “Yunost” was controversial. Aren't you afraid of a relapse if Minsk dwellers return to the VHL?
- This time we will have a condition that “Yunost” will be able to play only in one championship. And this requirement is not mine, but of the league clubs - all issues are resolved collectively. Yes, legally the Belarusians did not violate anything at that time, competently taking advantage of the loopholes provided by the league regulations. But it is still not very pleasant to start the season with a confrontation with one rival squad, and end with another.

But such intransigence of the VHL can be negatively perceived by Minsk. Leave the “Yunost” national championship, and it will be left without a capital team at all. Agree, nonsense.
- I understand, but first of all I am obliged to defend the interests of my league. Especially when this is the position adopted by most clubs. The rest is emotions.

- Can't you find a compromise?
- If a solution is proposed that excludes a repetition of last year's situation, the question may be posed differently.

One of the visible problems of the VHL is the stretched geography, and the league clubs are still less rich than in the KHL. There was no desire, following the example of the MHL, to minimize costs by dividing the clubs at least at the first stage of the season according to the geographical principle?
- I have always been an opponent of such an idea. She breaks sports principle... It is clear, however, that clubs from the densely populated west will go to visit, figuratively speaking, by tram, while the east will still have to fly. Such a division was popular in the past from despair and lack of money, when the question was simply that the opponent, God forbid, arrived at the away match. The financial situation is better now. So the current equal scheme, I think, is close to optimal.
That's when we grow to the point that the league becomes a real business project, starts making a profit, then it will be possible, like in the NHL, to make up a calendar with a large number of popular derbies or matches that are rated for some other reason. Play every other day or at least every day.

Not so long ago I discussed a similar issue with your KHLovsky colleague Alexander Medvedev. And I continue to insist that this will happen no earlier than a fan from the post-Soviet space will be able and willing to shell out a hundred dollars or so for a ticket to a regular season match.
- But this does not mean that such times should be passively expected. We need to develop, strive at least for payback. We are only taking the first steps. Although the recoil is already visible. Look at the VHL table: the leader changes almost after each round, for a place in the playoffs and even the right to be in the top eight, having gained the advantage of his ice, hot battles are going on.

In conclusion, let us return to the Belarusian issue. Semi-official and at the level of rumors intentions to become a member of the VHL were previously expressed by our other clubs, but so far only Yunost has ventured to try. When was there a stir in this issue from others?
- Yes, the movement is fixed constantly. And we do not post any obstacles, we are open to everyone. The principle is simple: desire, infrastructure, guaranteed financial opportunity and readiness to follow the main principle of VHL - sports.

This summer, "Toros" was waiting for a long-awaited gift. At the Ice Palace, a sports complex was built here - the so-called "ground" for training hockey players outside the ice.

Inside there are two floors and everything you need for classes and new victories - Big hall for mini-football, basketball, volleyball, big tennis, two gyms, comfortable changing rooms. All this was presented to "Toros" by the general partner of the club - the URAL Charitable Foundation. In the spring, at the awarding of "Toros" with gold medals, Chairman of the Fund Council Murtaza Rakhimov said that there are plans to create another ice for hockey players. The fact is that Neftekamsk, which has become a real hockey city, has obviously become cramped in the Ice Palace - apart from the "Toros", children are trained here. sport school and "Batyr".

Already in next year Near Ice Palace an indoor training rink with artificial ice... On the ground floor there will be six changing rooms and technical rooms. The second place is occupied by the seats and the administrative block. A transition will appear between the building and the existing arena. A feature of the children's arena will be the ability to vary the size of the playground to match the "European" and "Canadian" sizes, modern equipment of the boards.

What is important - the green zone will not be damaged during construction. According to the designers, the landing will be preserved. It is planned that an indoor skating rink will appear in Neftekamsk in August 2013. The URAL Charitable Foundation has allocated 207 million rubles for this project. The project is completely ready, construction will begin when all permits are given.

Managing Director of VHL German Skoropupov examined the new sports and recreation center and the project of the future indoor ice rink:

- German Viktorovich, can you share your impressions of the presentation of the future indoor skating rink?
- What are your impressions when everything is done to develop our sport? Everything is done to ensure that our young people from the courtyards go to sports facilities. Thank you very much to those who are behind this. Children are our future.

Not so long ago, the Higher Hockey League signed a cooperation agreement with the URAL Charitable Foundation. What does this mean for the league?
- We are planning many of our own projects. This is our third season and we can't stand still, we need to move forward. We do not want to repeat the projects of the NHL and the KHL. Our league has its own face. The fund's participation will help us implement projects that will help bring VHL to a new level even faster and better. We have a mutually beneficial relationship. I am very grateful to Murtaza Gubaidullovich Rakhimov, who is not indifferent to the life of not only the republic, but the whole country, who wholeheartedly supports the health of the nation and the development of sports.

Last week in the Tver Sports Palace "Yubileiny", before the match between "Dynamo" and "Toros", heightened security measures were taken. An hour before the start of the game, all the premises of the sports complex were examined by patrolmen with service dogs for the detection of explosives. All exits on ice arena were blocked by vigilant watchmen, past which a fly would not fly without special permission. Such a commotion was caused by the arrival of the managing director of the Higher Hockey League Herman Skoropupov to the match. After the end of the meeting, the VHL chief manager agreed to an exclusive interview for TZh.

- German Viktorovich, tell us, for what purpose did you come to Tver?

- In general, with the inspection. It was necessary to see on the spot how the Dynamo management took into account all the previous remarks of the VHL and corrected their shortcomings in terms of organizing home matches.

- And what is the result?

- We can say satisfactory. Certain shortcomings have been eliminated. But as before, work with fans to attract spectators to the VHL matches in Tver is very weak. There are not even programs for games, posters - this, of course, is a serious minus. At the same time, I understand that the situation with Dynamo is unique in its way: this is the only domestic hockey club, which contains three teams at once - KHL, VHL and MHL. Apparently, while all the attention of the management of this united club is focused on the promotion main team serving in the Kontinental Hockey League championship. For VHL this season in many respects transitional - the clubs still have time to correct all the shortcomings.

- Does it surprise you that Dynamo Tver is playing so poorly at the Higher Hockey League championship now?

- I would not be in a hurry to give such categorical assessments. Even in today's match with one of the leaders - "Toros" Dynamo played practically on equal terms. And the intrigue in this match lasted until the final siren. So hockey was interesting enough. Another thing is that Dynamo is perhaps the youngest team in the league in terms of the average age of players. Therefore, somewhere they do not have enough experience to turn the tide of the game in their favor in an equal situation and keep the gained advantage. And experience, as you know, is a matter of time. So with Dynamo in the VHL, I think everything will be fine. Moreover, one of the tasks of our league was to create a springboard for young talented players, from which they will have the opportunity to start to professional heights.

- Maybe there are other teams in the league besides Dynamo that surprised you?

- I am far from the first year in hockey. And frankly, there are no such teams. Talking about current leaders tournament tables then everything is pretty predictable here. For example, the Tyumen "Rubin" last season aimed at reaching Continental League... Krylya Sovetov is one of the brands of Russian hockey. And after solving internal club problems, we can say that this team is in the stage of revival. At least, Wings have already acquired their trademark hockey.

- Three months from the start of the first season of the Major Hockey League, of course, is a short enough time to sum up some results. And yet I can't help but ask: is the project for the creation of the VHL already justifying itself, in your opinion?

- My opinion on this issue, of course, will be very, very subjective. Therefore, I will refer to the opinion of the heads of most of the VHL clubs with whom I have recently met. All of them unanimously claim that the competitions of the Major Hockey League and the previous Major League Is heaven and earth. In terms of organization, attractiveness to fans, media relations and many other components, a huge step forward has been taken. The most striking confirmation of these words is the significant increase in attendance at the championship matches. Our fan has already appreciated the advantage of the updated championship, and he liked all these changes. And it became much more interesting for hockey players to play. Their motivation to show good hockey and improve your personal statistics.

- At the same time, VHL is only at the beginning of the journey.

- Yes, so far we have only created a structure, built a full-fledged vertical: MHL - VHL - KHL. Now we have to build this structure, as they say, with meat. Of course, there is still a lot of work to do. Once again, I was convinced of this in Tver. One of the promising tasks is the release of the VHL matches on the television screen. And the first step in this direction has already been taken. Just the current rival of Dynamo, Toros, recently signed a contract to broadcast their home matches.

- Interestingly, in the future we will be able to see the TV coverage of the home matches of Tver Dynamo?

- This is a question for the club's management, not for me. Nothing is impossible here, there would be a desire.

- Another question that worries most of the Tver hockey fans. How realistic is it to enter the VHL THC?

- We, of course, would like to see such an original and popular team as Tverskoy Hockey Club in our league. However, our desire alone is not enough. Everything here depends on the founders of the THC, in this case from the administrations of the region and the city of Tver. In this situation, when almost the entire spectrum of domestic hockey is already represented in your city - from the FHR and MHL championships to the VHL championship - I do not know how expedient the creation of another Major League team would be.