STS TV announced that a new program is underway to mark the 10th anniversary of the popular sports drama Molodezhka. The channel’s press service confirmed the project and its plans for a special reunion episode.
The premiere is slated for October 2023, aligning with a full decade since the first episodes of the series aired. A gathering of the original cast will revisit the world of Molodezhka, sharing memories about the on-screen Bears crew, their early skating days, the on-screen kisses, and fan encounters that followed the show’s success.
Actor Ilya Korobko, who portrayed the defender Mikhail Ponomarev, reflects on the emotional weight of the reunion. He notes that when Molodezhka began, none of the team anticipated how many people would be inspired to take up hockey after watching, or how many players the cast would come to know off the ice. The group is expected to grow even closer as they reunite, offering new perspectives on their shared journey.
Igor Ogurtsov, who plays goalkeeper Semyon Bakin, remembers Molodezhka as a landmark in hockey-themed television. He recalls how the series sparked a wave of interest among fans and fellow players, with many lining up to meet the cast after the first season aired. Today, the reunion serves as a milestone that connects past experiences with present-day reflections on the sport and its stories.
Ogurtsov also recalls a moment from the show’s arc when fans flooded arenas during a final stretch, and the cast was overwhelmed by the rush of support—autographs, photographs, and heartfelt conversations that underscored the show’s impact on real-life hockey culture. The reunion promises to capture that same energy, spotlighting how a television project can resonate far beyond its fictional world.
The list of participants extends beyond the core troupe. Evgeny Banifatov, Mikhail Gavrilov-Tretyakov, Vladimir Zaitsev, Matvey Zubalevich, Vlad Kanopka, Sergey Komarov, Yulia Margulis, Anna Mikhailovskaya, Denis Nikiforov, and Maria Pirogova are also expected to take part in filming the reunion event. Their involvement highlights Molodezhka’s lasting legacy and the enduring bond among the cast members.
Molodezhka enjoyed a six-season run and earned recognition for its contribution to sports storytelling on television. The series received the Georges People’s Award and two accolades from the Film and Television Producers Association, underscoring its popularity among viewers and critics alike. It was widely cited as one of the era’s most beloved hockey dramas, achieving high standing in search rankings and social conversations during its run and in subsequent years.
In broader reception, Molodezhka was noted for its authentic depiction of hockey life and its ability to connect with fans on an emotional level. The show’s influence extended into fan communities and online platforms where discussions about characters, plays, and memorable scenes continued to thrive. The reunion is positioned not only as a nostalgic look back but also as an opportunity to reflect on how the series helped shape conversations about sport, teamwork, and ambition.
Historical context around the program’s broadcast years reveals a period when sports dramas resonated deeply with audiences seeking relatable stories about perseverance and camaraderie. Molodezhka stood out by blending on-ice action with character-driven arcs, creating a lasting imprint on both hockey enthusiasts and general viewers. The forthcoming meeting aims to celebrate those years while inviting new audiences to discover the series through contemporary conversations and renewed interest.
The October reunion marks a milestone that fans have anticipated for years. It offers a chance to revisit the show’s most memorable moments, hear behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and witness the evolution of the cast as individuals and artists. Viewers can expect candid reflections on the challenges of portraying professional athletes on screen and the real-world friendships that formed among the actors.
While the project honors a decade of Molodezhka, it also exemplifies how television productions can sustain cultural relevance. By bringing together veterans of the series and newer generations of fans, the reunion emphasizes storytelling that transcends time, continuing to inspire future performers and sports lovers alike.